LAS VEGAS, Nev. --The UC Santa Barbara Softball team earned another split on day two of the UNLV Desert Classic. The Gauchos fell in the late stages of game one to Iowa State before bouncing back and beating host institution UNLV to cap off the day.

GAME ONE: GAUCHOS 9, CYCLONES 11
The Gauchos were trailing 1-0 in the third inning when they first put runs on the board. Santa Barbara's offense started clicking and put up six runs, including a one-run single off the bat of freshman Tehya Banks.

The Cyclones then gained ground, narrowing the lead to 6-4 until the Gauchos expanded their advantage in the fourth. UC Santa Barbara scored twice on Ainsley's Waddell's two-run homer, which brought the Gauchos lead to 8-4.

Iowa State narrowed the Gauchos lead to 8-6 before the Santa Barbara stretched the advantage to 9-6 in the fifth inning. The Gauchos scored once on an RBI single off the bat of Madelyn McNally. The Gauchos were unable to hold the lead, as Iowa State scored five times over the remaining two innings to grab the 11-9 win.

In the batter's box, the Gauchos were paced by freshman Tehya Banks who contributed three hits and an RBI. Waddell went 2-for-4 on the day with a home run and three RBI. Senior Madelyn McNally compiled a standout effort as well, going 2-for-4 with two RBI.

GAME TWO: GAUCHOS 4, REBELS 3
The Gauchos got the scoring started early, putting two runs on the board in the top of the first inning. Santa Barbara scored three runs in the frame, highlighted by a two-run homer from Jazzy Santos.

The Gauchos then held the Rebels scoreless before expanding their lead in the third inning. UC Santa Barbara scored once on an RBI single off the bat of Ashley Donaldson, which brought the Gauchos lead to 4-0. UNLV put three runs on the scoreboard before the game was over, but the Gauchos still held on for the 4-3 win.

Freshman Ainsley Waddell picked up the first win of her career pitching a complete game. The southpaw went all seven innings, giving up three runs, one earned, and struck out five.

Sophomore Jazzy Santos led the way offensively for the Gauchos, going 2-for-4 in the ballgame with a home run and two RBI. Senior Ashley Donaldson compiled a standout performance at the dish as well, going 1-for-2 with a walk and an RBI.

GAME NOTES
Senior Ashley Donaldson stole two bases in Saturday's game and the Gauchos stole six bases in total in game one against Iowa State. Donaldson also has an impressive 7/3 walk to strikeout ratio.
Jazzy Santos hit her first career home run in the Blue and Gold with a two-run shot against UNLV.
Freshman Ainsley Waddell picked up her first win of the season and of her Gaucho career against UNLV. She also hit her first career collegiate home run of the season against Iowa State.
Madelyn McNally moved her hitting streak to 11-games and has recorded four multi-hit games on the 2024 season.

UP NEXT
The Gauchos will wrap up the Classic tomorrow with one final game against UNLV. The game is scheduled to begin at 12 p.m. (noon) tomorrow Sunday, Feb. 18.