SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The UC Santa Barbara Softball team (12-12, 1-1 Big West) split their doubleheader against UC Riverside on Saturday afternoon. After an offensive outburst in game one, the Gauchos were unable to find the timely hit they needed and fell in game two.
GAME ONE: GAUCHOS 8, HIGHLANDERS 0
In the first inning, UC Santa Barbara took an early lead with a powerful offensive display. After Alexa Sams singled and Ainsley Waddell followed with another hit, Bella Fuentes delivered a three-run home run to center field, putting UC Santa Barbara ahead 3-0. This early scoring set the tone for the Gauchos.
Throughout the second and third innings, both teams struggled to add to their scores. UCR managed a couple of base runners, but Santa Barbara's defense held firm, preventing any runs from crossing the plate. Meanwhile, the Gaucho hitters were unable to capitalize on their opportunities, keeping the score at 3-0 through the end of the third.
In the fifth inning, UC Santa Barbara extended their lead significantly. Jazzy Santos and Alexa Sams both singled, and Delaina Ma'ae drew a walk to load the bases. Waddell then hit a crucial grand slam to center field, clearing the bases and increasing Santa Barbara's lead to 7-0. This offensive surge effectively put the game out of reach for the Highlanders.
Finally, in the sixth inning, the Gauchos added another run to their tally. Erin Mendoza walked and stole second, setting the stage for Kaylin Garcia, who doubled to center field, driving in Mendoza and ending the game via run-rule.
GAME TWO: GAUCHOS 2, HIGHLANDERS 4
UC Santa Barbara faced an early challenge in the first inning as UCR scored three runs. The Gaucho batters were unable to respond in the bottom half and were retired in order.
In the second inning, the Highlanders managed to extend their lead to 4-0 after a sacrifice fly. UC Santa Barbara's offense showed signs of life as Fuentes walked and Giselle Mejia singled, but the inning ended with no runs scored.
The fourth inning marked a shift for UC Santa Barbara as Fuentes and Mejia set the stage with a single and double, respectively. Emily Carr capitalized with a single to left field that drove in both runners, cutting the deficit to 4-2. However, the team left one runner stranded.
Despite opportunities in the fifth inning, including a single by Sams and a fielding error that loaded the bases, the Gauchos couldn't narrow the gap further. The game concluded with a 4-2 score in favor of UCR, as UC Santa Barbara's late rally attempts were thwarted.
UP NEXT
The Gauchos and Highlanders will play the rubber match of their series tomorrow, March 9 at 1 p.m.
