Fullerton—The UC Riverside Softball Team was defeated 12-2 in five innings at Cal State Fullerton in the finale of the season opening series in Big West competition.

The Titans (28-10, 3-0) completed the sweep of the season series against the Highlanders by scoring in each inning and getting five innings of work from three pitchers.

In the bottom half of the first, the home team scored three runs on three hits. They would tack on a fourth run the bottom of the second, when they had just one hit, but were aided by two Highlander defensive miscues.

UCR (23-12-1, 0-3) would answer in the top of the third, when Haley Harris drew a one out walk. After a flyout, Jenna Curtan singled down the left field line, bringing Chelsey Holley to bat with a runner in scoring position. Holley doubled down the right field line, scoring Harris and Curtan to make it a 4-2 game.

With the two out in the bottom of the third leading 5-2, Cal State Fullerton's Missy Taukeiaho stepped to the dish with the bases full and homered to left center. Taukeiaho's grand slam put the game near mercy rule territory, with the Titans holding a seven run advantage, 9-2. They would bring across three more in the home half of the fourth on one hit and two throwing errors by the Highlanders.

In the top of the fifth, UC Riverside had to cut into the 12-2 lead with at least three runs to extend the game. They got two hits, but both base runners were forced out —a double play and a game ending fielder's choice.

Tayler Misfedlt took for the loss, bringing her record to 14-8 on the year. The Highlanders host UC Santa Barbara in the conference home opener April 9-10. Saturday April 9th, UCR Softball will honor their alumni before the first game of the double header against the Gauchos at 1 pm.