PALM SPRINGS, Calif. - The UC Santa Barbara Softball team (9-4) split their games on day one of the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic. After dropping their first game to BYU, the Gauchos responded with a close 3-2 victory over Oregon State.

GAME ONE: GAUCHOS 0, COUGARS 5
UC Santa Barbara (8-4) fell to Brigham Young University (BYU) (9-3) by a score of 5-0 on Friday at Big League Dreams in Cathedral City, Calif.

UC Santa Barbara began the game with a solid defensive effort, as the Cougars were retired in order during the first inning. UC Santa Barbara managed to get runners in scoring position when Ainsley Waddell walked and Delaina Ma'ae singled to center field, but the inning ended with no runs scored.

In the second inning, the Cougars advanced runners to second and third after a pair of hits but failed to capitalize, leaving two on base. The Gauchos could not generate any offensive momentum, striking out three times in succession to close the frame.

The fourth inning marked a turning point as the Cougars scored four runs. Despite the shift in momentum, Santa Barbara kept fighting, but was unable to respond with hits in the bottom of the inning.

In the seventh inning, the Cougars added one more run to extend their lead. Although Giselle Mejia singled for UC Santa Barbara, the rally was halted by a double play to end the game with a 5-0 loss to the Cougars

GAME TWO: GAUCHOS 3, BEAVERS 2
In the first inning, UC Santa Barbara took an early lead against Oregon State with a powerful offensive start. After Oregon State scored one run, the Gauchos responded with a two-run homer by Delaina Ma'ae, bringing in Ainsley Waddell following a walk. This gave the Gauchos a 2-1 lead.

The third inning saw both teams unable to capitalize on their opportunities. The Gauchos managed a single hit with Jazzy Santos reaching base, but a subsequent fielder's choice prevented further advancement, keeping the score unchanged at 2-1.

In the sixth inning, both teams added one run each to the scoreboard. Oregon State's Donahue homered to left center, momentarily tying the game. However, the Gauchos responded quickly as Alexa Sams reached on an error, allowing Katie Terrazas, who pinch ran for Ainsley Waddell, to score, regaining the lead at 3-2.

The seventh inning concluded with the Gauchos maintaining their lead. Grace Luderer, pitching for UC Santa Barbara, secured the final outs without allowing a hit, preserving the 3-2 victory over the Beavers.

UP NEXT
The Gauchos will be back in action for two games tomorrow. The first of the two games begins at 5 p.m. against No. 25 San Diego State. Immediately after the game the Gauchos will be taking on Washington who has received votes in the top 25 poll.