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UCR Softball Signs Three To Letters of Intent

(June 22, 2006) - Nicole Carter, Marissa Alvidrez and Lauren Bauer have signed letters of intent to play softball at UC Riverside, Head Coach Connie Miner announced Thursday.

Bauer, a third baseman, comes to the Highlanders from Livermore High School, where she helped the Cowboys to three North Coast Section playoff appearances in her four years. As a junior in 2005, she received first-team All-East Bay Athletic League Honors, then repeated the feat as a senior, when she hit .490. She was also named the team's most valuable player and was a finalist for the school's "Olympian Award". Bauer played for San Ramon Sorcerors softball club.

“Lauren is an outstanding young lady who brings great athletic ability, strong defensive skills and great power to the plate," Miner said. "I see her helping us fill the void of losing senior third baseman Melissa Sanchez (First Team Big West and First Team All West Region selection) and also adding depth at 1B. Lauren is the total package, getting it done on and off the field.”

Alvidrez is a graduate of Liberty HS in Bakersfield, CA. She is a four-year letterwinner in softball for the Patriots, helping them win the Southeast Yosemite League Championship in 2004 and 2005. She took her team a step further in 2006, helping the team to a 10-0 mark in conference play, then pitching all 24 innings - striking out 18 - as Liberty defeated Clovis-Buchanan 1-0 in the Central Section Division I Championship game. She posted a 22-5 record and a 0.28 ERA on the season, striking out 193 and walking just 35. At the plate she hit .488 with a .700 slugging percentage.

“Marissa is a very gifted all-around athlete who will be asked to do many things for us in 2007. I foresee Marissa earning time at several different positions next season," Miner said. "She does an outstanding job on the mound, she is a very strong defensively player at both corners, she has played in the outfield and is an outstanding hitter who possesses great power. Marissa is a competitor. I believe her strongest trait is wanting to be the one to deliver for her team either on the field with an outstanding defensive play or at the plate with a game winning hit. She thrives on pressure and wants that responsibility to be on her.”

Carter is a second baseman/outfielder from nearby Upland High School. She helped the Scots to a 23-2-1 record and a 14-0-1 mark in the Baseline League. The team reached the CIF playoff second round. In club play, she has played for the perennial powerhouse Gordon Panthers and currently competes for the Norco Fillies.

“Nicole has many gifts. She can play in the infield or the outfield. She is one of those special athletes that has it all: power, speed, strong arm, great hands, mental toughness, strong work ethics," Miner said. "Best of all, she is a true team player. I cannot wait to coach Nicole.”

Tiana Towns Transfers to Play Softball at UCR

(Sept. 11, 2006) - Former Occidental College shortstop Tiana Towns has transferred to UC Riverside, UCR Head Coach Connie Miner announced.

Towns earned All-Southern California Intercollegiate Athletics Conference honors at shortstop as a freshman in 2005 for the TIgers. She hit .296 with one homer and eight RBI in 38 games with the Tigers.

Towns is a graduate of Perris HS, where she earned All-Sunbelt League Conference honors in each of her four years. She was also All-Riverside County in 2003 and 2005. In 2006, Towns competed on the Dynasty Gold travel ball team.

"We are very excited to have Tiana and her family become a part of our softball family at UCR," Miner said. "Tiana has outstanding speed, a strong arm and great power and potential at the plate. I have seen few close on a ball in the outfield like she can. She has the ability to come in immediately and challenge for a starting position on our team."

Miner to Be Honored for 400th Win

(Nov. 2, 2006) - UC Riverside Head Softball Coach Connie Miner will be honored for her 400th career victory at the National Fastpitch Coaches Association National Convention in Tucson, AZ on December 7th.

Miner will receive an "Easton Victory Club" Award at the event in recognition of the milestone victory, which took place on April 8, 2006 as the Highlanders defeated UC Davis, 8-2. Miner has a career record of 402-529-2.

Highlanders Open 2007 Season at Home With "Ten Construction" Tournament

(Feb. 8, 2007) - The Highlanders open their 2007 season against Northern Colorado Friday at 2 p.m. in the UCR "Ten Construction" Invitational. The round robin tournament begins with the University of San Diego and San Jose State playing each other at 12 p.m. on Friday. UCR will play two games Saturday, starting with San Diego at 1 p.m. and then San Jose State at 3 p.m. UCR will close out the Invitational against Northern Colorado, Sunday at 12 p.m.

About the opponents:

Northern Colorado: 12-34 last season

The UCR "Ten Construction" Invitational marks the opening weekend for Northern
Colorado and their new Head Coach, Jennifer Schunke. UCR has not faced UNC since
joining the Divison I level in 2002. The Bears return six position players who started at
least 41 out of their 46 games last season. The Bears are led by two-time Division I All-
Independent-team selection, junior outfi elder Mackenzie Barrett. Barrett had fi ve home
runs and led the Bears with a .333 batting average, 46 hits, and 29 RBI.

About San Diego: 22-24 last season

Led by Head Coach Mellissa McElvain, the Toreros fi nished fourth in the Pacifi c Coast
Softball Conference. The Highlanders are 10-3 against USD since moving to Division I in
2001, winning six of the last seven games including all four meetings in 2006. The Tore-
ros return four position players that started at least 29 games in 2006, led by First Team
All-Pacifi c Coast Softball Conference member, junior third baseman Kathleen Bonja.
Bonja led the Toreros with a .344 batting average, 53 hits, three home runs, and tied for
third on the team with 22 RBI.

About San Jose State: 23-27 last season

Peter Turner begins his fi rst season as the Spartan head coach with an appearance in
the UCR "Ten Construction" Invitational. The Highlanders beat SJSU last year 9-7 in
Riverside after not facing the Spartans since 2001. The 2006 season ended for SJSU
with the Spartans losing in the fi rst round of the Western Athletic Conference Tourna-
ment. The Spartans return four position players that started at least 35 games last
season. Junior Mandy Winkley was a Second Team All-WAC outfi elder, leading the team
with seven home runs, was third on the team with a .290 batting average, and tied for
third on the team with 15 RBI.

Highlanders Defeat Northern Colorado 12-2 in Tournament Opener

(Feb. 9, 2007) - Junior first basemen Danira Iolamo went 4-for-4 with a home run and two RBI to lead UC Riverside (1-0) to a 12-2 win over University of Northern Colorado (0-1) in the UCR "Ten Construction" Softball Tournament at Amy S. Harrison Field Friday.

The Highlanders pounded out 15 hits in their 2007 opener. Junior catcher Cassie Greenawalt went 3-for-4 also drove in two in support of sophomore starting pitcher Stephanie Marshall (1-0), who allowed two earned runs and struck out five in five innings to get the win.

UCR got on the board first with when a single by freshman third baseman Katie Curtis scored junior left fielder Veronica Yee. Yee led off the game with a walk and was moved to second with a sacrifice bunt by sophomore right fielder Tiana Towns. Curtis came up with a two-out single up the middle to score Yee to take a 1-0 lead.

Iolamo led off the Highlander second with a line drive homer to left center to increase the UCR lead to 2-0. The Highlanders then scored for the third consecutive inning plating two more runs in their half of third to increase their lead to 4-0. Towns led of the inning with a single and scored on a fielding error by Northern Colorado left fielder Jessica Schoepfin after sophomore designated player Katie Curtis had singled to left with two outs. Still with two outs, Iolamo picked up her second RBI of the day with a RBI single scoring Curtis.

The Bears answered back in their half of the third with two runs off of Marshall. The Bears got back to back two out RBI singles from Kelsey Dumler and Casey Hogue to cut the Highlander lead to 4-2.

UCR put the game away in the fifth scoring eight runs on eight hits. The first blow to the Bears in the fifth came when Highlander sophomore center fielder Krystal Marquez singled to center scoring two, junior shortstop Kristie Martinez then doubled two batters later to score two more and the rout was on. Greenawalt had a two-run single to join Martinez to both record two hits in the inning.

Eight different Highlanders recorded a hit in the game. Shea Carpenter (0-1) took the loss for the Bears allowing seven earned runs and 11 hits in four and 2/3 innings.

In game one of the "Ten Construction" tournament, San Jose State (1-0) beat San Diego (0-1), 7-2. The Highlanders continue play in the tournament with games against San Diego Saturday at 1 p.m. and San Jose State scheduled for 3 p.m.

Highlanders Defeat USD 10-2, Second Game Called Due to Darkness at Ten Construction Softball Tournament

(Feb. 10, 2007) - UC Riverside banged out 11 hits, including four homers, in a 10-2 mercy rule win over University of San Diego Saturday afternoon in play at the UCR Ten Construction Softball Tournament at Amy S. Harrison Field in Riverside. The Highlanders' second game of the afternoon was suspended by darkness in the fifth inning with UCR leading 3-1 over San Jose State.

Freshman third baseman Lauren Bauer launched two home runs and junior starting pitcher Christin Songer (1-0) allowed five hits and two unearned runs to pick up her first win of the season.

The Highlanders (2-0) jumped all over USD (1-2) starting pitcher Katie Nelson (0-1) in the first inning with junior first basemen Danira Iolamo opening the scoring with a bases-loaded walk. One batter later and the bases still loaded, senior catcher Rachel Crawford singled to left field driving in two more to give the Highlanders a early 3-0 lead.

Freshman second baseman Nicole Carter got another Highlander rally started with a double to left field to lead off the second inning. Two batters later sophomore right fielder Tiana Towns knocked in Carter with a two-out RBI single through the left side to give UCR a 4-0 lead. Bauer led off the Highlander third inning in style with high drive over the left centerfield fence for her first collegiate home run and a 5-0 UCR lead.

The Highlanders poured it on in the final two innings with five more runs. Junior shortstop Kristie Martinez led off the Highlander fifth with a home run to right for her first round tripper of the season. In the sixth Bauer connected again for a two-run shot over the center field fence. After the Bauer home run, Iolamo walked and stole second base, freshman DP Marissa Alvidrez then launched a two-run homer of her own to left field and put UCR up 10-0.
USD put together a small rally, picking up two runs in the sixth, but was not enough as Songer got the final out to preserve the Highlander win and lead them to their second consecutive mercy-rule win. The junior shut down the USD offense allowing only three hits in her first five innings of work. Songer finished with four strikeouts and five hits allowed in six innings of work

Marquez finished 3-for-4 with two RBI and Crawford also finished with two RBI.

In earlier action of the Ten Construction Tournament Saturday, Northern Colorado rallied for three runs in the final two innings to beat San Jose State 5-3, and USD beat Northern Colorado, 9-0.

UCR Rallies Back For Win, Rain Washes Out Remainder of Tournament

(Feb. 11, 2007) - UC Riverside rallied with two runs in the bottom of the fifth inning and held on for a 5-4 come-from-behind, rain-soaked victory over San Jose State in the UCR Ten Construction Tournament at Amy S Harrison Field Sunday. Junior first baseman Danira Iolamo went 2-for-3 with three RBI and freshman DP Marissa Alvidrez finished 2-for-2 and two RBI to lead the Highlanders (3-0) over SJSU (1-2).

The final two games of the Ten Construction Tournament were cancelled due to unplayable conditions after a series of rain showers.

The game began in the waning hours of light Saturday and the Highlanders got on the board in the bottom of the first inning with a two-out two RBI double to right center off the bat of Iolamo. Alvidrez followed up with a double of her own, this time to left center, scoring Iolamo and giving UCR a 3-0 lead.

The Spartans put a run on the board in the second on a pair of singles and a UCR throwing error to cut the lead to 3-1. Highlander sophomore starting pitcher Stephanie Marshall (2-0) settled down and retired the next seven batters she faced before darkness suspended play in the fifth.

Rain delayed the 9 a.m. Sunday restart for 15 minutes, and once UCR and SJSU took the field, the Spartans took advantage of the sloppy conditions scoring three runs in the top of the fifth. With two on, SJSU DP Sarah Smith laced a single to right field. The wet ball skipped off of the grass and then the glove of Highlander right fielder Tiana Towns and rolled away. Sarah Taylor scored easily and the error allowed Liz Perez to score all the way from first to tie the game 4-4. Moments later, Smith came around on another miscue as freshman second baseman Nicole Carter slipped when fielding a ground ball allowing the run to score, giving SJSU a 4-3 lead.
After a 20-minute rain delay it was the Highlanders' turn to put some runs on the board in their half of the fifth.

Junior shortstop Kristie Martinez was hit by the pitch and advanced to second on a Spartan passed ball. Freshman third baseman Lauren Bauer lined a hit off the glove of the SJSU third baseman to put runners on the corners for UCR. Iolamo then short hopped the right center field wall with a double to score Martinez and tie the game at 4-4. The very next batter, Alvidrez picked up her second RBI of the game and knocked in the eventual winning run with a sacrifice fly to center to score sophomore pinch runner Tricia Adgar from third to make the score 5-4.

With the rain continuing to fall with intermittent intensity, Marshall struggled a bit but recorded five of the final six outs on strikeouts to close out the game. She finished with nine strikeouts on the day.

The Highlanders return to action Tuesday when the travel to play the third ranked UCLA Bruins at 2:30 p.m. in Westwood.

UCLA Defeats UCR, 14-0

(Feb. 13, 2007) - The UC Riverside Highlanders had a bad day Tuesday, falling to the No. 3 ranked UCLA Bruins 14-0 in a five-inning run-rule non-conference game Tuesday afternoon at Easton Stadium in Westwood.

The Highlanders (3-1) had just one hit on the afternoon, a fourth-inning double by junior catcher Cassie Greenawalt off of Bruin starter Anjelica Selden.

UCR starter Sara Radabaugh (0-1) took the loss, allowing six runs and five hits in 1 2/3 innings.

UCLA's Lisa Dodd hammered a first inning grand slam to start the scoring for the Bruins. UCLA opened the flood gates in the bottom of the fourth, sending eight runs across the plate, three coming in on a homer by Jaisa Creps.

UCR Splits Pair at ASU Tournament

(Feb. 16, 2007) - The UC Riverside Highlanders went 1-1 at the Arizona State Tournament in Tempe, AZ Friday. UCR defeated Idaho State, 12-2 in the tournament opener, then lost to Iowa, 9-1.

The Highlanders are now 4-2 on the season.

Junior first baseman Danira Iolamo went 4-for-4 with four RBI and freshman third baseman Lauren Bauer was 1-for-2 with three runs and three RBI in the opening game of the tournament, as UCR crushed Idaho State, 12-2. Sophomore starter Stephanie Marshall (3-0) scattered six hits and one run while striking out nine in five innings of work as the Highlanders cruised to a run-rule victory.

UCR scored twice in the first, four times in both the second and third and twice more in the fifth.

The second game didn't go the Highlanders way, as junior Christin Songer (0-1) allowed six earned runs on eight hits in 6.1 innings of work. Senior right fielder Jennifer Thompson went 3-for-3 and sophomore Tiana Towns hit a solo home run in the sixth, but Iowa scored twice in the fourth, three times in the fifth and four times in the seventh.

UCR Defeats UNC 2-1, Loses to Illinois State 5-0

(Feb. 17, 2007) - The UC Riverside Highlanders defeated the University of North Carolina, 2-1, but lost to Illinois State 5-0 at the Arizona State Tournament in Tempe, AZ Saturday. UCR is now 2-2 at the tournament and 5-3 on the season.

The Highlanders got another great outing by sophomore pitcher Stephanie Marshall against North Carolina. marshall allowed six hits and one earned run while striking out six in seven innings of work as she improved to 4-0 on the season.

Sophomore shortstop Tiana Towns' RBI single in the sixth inning scored senior pinch runner Hailey Marshall to break a 1-1 tie. Marshall then retired the side in order in the seventh to clinch the win for the Highlanders.

UCR opened the scoring in the first as junior second baseman April Murray stole home. UNC scored in the fifth on three hits to tie things at one apiece.

Junior starter Christin Songer struggled against Illinois State, allowing six hits and three earned runs in 3.2 innings of work. Meanwhile, the Highlanders mustered just three hits against Illinois starter Stacy Birk in the 5-0 loss.

UCR Comes Close, Just Miss Beating No. 2 ASU, 8-7

(Feb. 18, 2007) - The No. 2 ranked Arizona State Sun Devils just held off the visiting UC Riverside Highlanders, 8-7, in the final game of the 2007 Littlewood Classic in Tempe, AZ Sunday.

The Sun Devils improved to 13-0 on the season, while the Highlanders fell to 5-4.

ASU scored three times in the first and four times in the third to build a 7-1 lead. However, the Highlanders battled back. After scoring a single run in the second on sophomore center fielder Krystal Marquez' bases loaded walk, they added two in the fourth on a two-run homer by sophomore shortstop Tiana Towns to make it 7-3.

ASU scored a single run in the fifth inning to take an 8-3 lead, and the run proved to be a big one as UCR added two more runs in the sixth on solo homers by junior 1B Danira Iolamo and freshman DH Marissa Alvidrez to cut it to 7-5.

The Highlanders went to the long ball again in the seventh. With two outs, freshman third baseman Lauren Bauer homered and Iolamo followed with her second homer of the day to make it 8-7. ASU's Katie Burkhart came in and closed the door on the rally for ASU, giving the Sun Devils an 8-7 win.

Sophomore starter Stephanie Marshall suffered her first loss of the year (4-1), allowing six earned runs and 10 hits in seven innings of work. Megan Elliott improved to 5-0 for ASU, with Burkhart recording her first save of the year.

UCR Game With Sacramento State Postponed Due to Darkness

(Feb. 22, 2007) - The UC Riverside Highlanders' game against Sacramento State Friday at the UC Davis Tournament was postponed on account of darkness at 5:29 p.m. with the Hornets owning a 9-3 lead in the bottom of the fourth inning.

The Hornets scored six times in the third inning to jump into control of the game.

The game will be continued Saturday morning.

UCR Goes 1-2 on Saturday at UC Davis

(Feb. 24, 2007) - The Highlanders went 1-2 in their three games at the UC Davis Invitational Tournament Saturday. They lost to Sacramento State, 12-10, defeated Kentucky, 4-2, and lost to St. Mary's, 3-2.

Senior Jennifer Thompson went three-for-four with her first homer of the season in a losing effort as the Highlanders (5-5) dropped their first game of the tournament 12-10 to Sacramento State (4-7). The game was resumed on Saturday morning after darkness had suspended play Friday afternoon with UCR trailing 9-3.

UCR committed two errors in third inning, leading to six Hornet runs and a lead the Highlanders chased the rest of the game. The Highlanders scored two runs in the fourth. Thompson's home run led off the fourth and UCR picked up another run in the inning on a bases-loaded walk by senior Traci Bender who made her first appearance in 2007 after being out with a knee injury.

Sacramento State put four more runs across in their half of the fifth when the first four Hornet batters reached base and came around to score to open a 11-3 lead. Freshman Marissa Alvidrez then added a two-run single in the fifth to cut the Hornet lead to 11-5. The Hornets added a run of their own in the fifth after two more Highlander errors. UCR started the top of the sixth with five consecutive hits and scored five runs in the inning to cut the Sacramento State lead to 12-10. In the inning, Junior Danira Iolamo slugged her team leading fourth homer of the season, a three-run shot. Also in the inning Sophomore Krystal Marquez had a RBI sacrifice fly and junior Kristie Martinez had a RBI single. That was all for the Highlanders though as they could not rally in the seventh.

Iolamo (0-2) took the loss for UCR after allowing six earned runs in two and a third innings.

In the game against Kentucky, Kristie Martinez hammered her second homer of the season and junior April Murray scored two runs in a 4-2 UCR win over the Wildcats (6-3). The Highlanders (6-5) got on the board first when sophomore Tiana Towns doubled home Murray for a 1-0 UCR lead. After the Wildcats took the lead with two runs in the second, UCR scored two of their own to regain the lead, 3-2. Murray scored again on a Iolamo RBI single and Thompson followed with a sacrifice fly to score Towns. UCR added one more in fifth when Martinez hit a homer to extend the lead to 4-2 for the Highlanders.

Sophomore starting pitcher Stephanie Marshall improved her record to 5-1 after striking out three in the complete game victory for UCR.

In the final game of the afternoon, the Highlanders struck first against St Mary's with single runs in the second and third innings In the second, Thompson doubled home Iolamo, who led of fthe inning with a walk. In the third Martinez doubled home Marquez, who walked to lead off the inning.

But the Gaels rallied back in the fifth, scoring three times off of UCR starter Christin Songer to take a 3-2 lead. UCR put runners in scoring position in both the sixth and seventh innings, but could not get the tying run home. Songer took the loss with 4.1 innings of work, allowing five hits, three walks and three earned runs.

UCR Falls to St. Mary's, 14-4

(Feb. 25, 2007) - The UC Riverside Highlanders lost to the St. Mary's Gaels 14-4 in their final game of the UC Davis Tournament on Sunday. The Highlanders are now 6-7 on the season.

The Gaels used a nine-run third inning to break a 1-1 tie. The Gaels added four in the top of the fourth to make it 14-1, but UCR scored three times in the bottom of the inning, but it was not enough to stop the mercy rule victory.

Sophomore Tiana Towns went 3-3 with two RBI in the loss. Sophomore starter Stephanie Marshall took the loss for UCR.

Highlanders Split Pair at Loyola Marymount

(Feb. 28, 2007) - UCR scored four runs in the final two innings for a 4-3 win in game two of a double header to salvage a spilt Wednesday afternoon at Loyola Marymount University. In the first game of the day, the Highlanders lost a 3-2 decision in eight innings.

In game two the Highlanders (7-8) rallied for two runs in the top of the seventh when junior catcher Cassie Greenawalt singled home pinch-runner Roni Yee to tie the game at 1-1. Junior left fielder April Murray later tied the game with a bases loaded RBI walk and give UCR its first lead, 2-1. The Lions (13-8) answered back with a run of their own to send the game into extra innings at 2-2.

UCR again scored two runs in the top of the eighth on senior pinch-hitter Rachel Crawford’s two-out two-run single to give the Highlanders a 4-2 lead. Loyola again rallied for one run in the bottom of the inning, but could not push the tying run across against junior starting pitcher Christin Songer (2-2), who went all eight innings and struck out six to earn the win for the Highlanders.

In game one freshman Marissa Alvidrez launched a second inning homer, her third of the season, to tie the game at 1-1. The Lions scored their second run of the game in the third inning when UCR committed two errors to fall behind once again 2-1.

Alvidrez picked up her second RBI of the game with a double that scored Martinez who had led of the Highlander inning with a single to tie the game at 2-2.

Highlander sophomore starting pitcher Stephanie Marshall threw into the eighth inning, but was the hard-luck loser when the Lions pushed across the winning run in the bottom of the eighth via the international tiebreaker.

Marshall (5-3) scattered eight hits over eight innings of work and struck out one for the Highlanders.

UCR Splits Pair With Loyola of Chicago

(March 2, 2007) - The Highlanders split a double header with Loyola of Chicago at Amy S. Harrison Field Friday. The Ramblers (1-1) rallied with four runs in the sixth inning and held on for a 7-5 game one victory and UCR (8-9) put seven runs across in the first inning of game two in route to at 12-3 mercy rule win.

The Ramblers posted a come-from-behind win in the opener. Trailing 5-3 in the top of the sixth, Loyola Chicago scored four unearned runs to take a 7-5 lead. With one out, Katerina Krause reached on a dropped fly ball by UCR center fielder Krystal Marquez. A single and a walk loaded the bases for Ellen Kresl, who hit a sacrifice fly to right to cut the score to 5-4. Ashley Mitchell kept the inning alive with a single to third, again loading the bases. Lindsay O'Gean then followed with a nubber between first and second that snuck through to score a pair. Then as the Highlanders attempted to retire O'Gean in a rundown between first and second, Mitchell scampered home to make the score 7-5.

The Highlanders scored four times in the third inning to take a 4-1 lead. Freshman Marissa Alvidrez stroked a two-run double and moments later freshman third baseman Lauren Bauer crushed her fourth homer of the season over the left field wall to make it 4-1.

The Ramblers' Amy Solava earned the win in relief, throwing 4.1 innings of 3-hit work in relief of starter Krista Corsson. UCR starter Stephanie Marshall took the loss, allowing seven runs, three earned on four hits in the complete game outing.

In the second game the Highlanders batted around in the first inning, scoring seven times. Junior's April Murray and Roni Yee led off with singles, then moved to second and third. Junior shortstop Kristie Martinez then laid down a perfect squeeze bunt that scored Murray, with Yee coming home and scoring on a great hook slide as the Ramblers gunned down Martinez at first. The Highlanders scored four more times in the inning as Marquez hammered a bases-loaded triple to left center to score three, then came in herself as the center fielder's throw went into the dugout for an error.

UCR added four runs in the fourth inning on sophomore right fielder Tricia Adgar's two-out grand slam, her first collegiate home run.

Murray finished 3-for-4 and Adgar drove in five in support of junior starting pitcher Christin Songer. Songer (3-2) picked up the victory for the Highlanders, striking out three in five innings of work.

Highlanders Defeat USD, 7-6

(March 3, 2007) - The UC Riverside Highlanders defeated the host University of San Diego Toreros Saturday, 7-6.

The Highlanders scored five times in the sixth inning to help offset six errors of their own that led to five of the USD runs being unearned. UCR junior starter Christin Songer pitched a complete game, allowing eight hits and striking out five while allowing one earned run.

Sophomore centerfielder Krystal Marquez went 1-for-3 with three RBI for the Highlanders.

Highlanders Finish USD Tournament at 2-2

(March 4, 2007) - The UC Riverside Highlanders lost a pair of games by one run Sunday at the University of San Diego Tournament, falling to Loyola Marymount, 3-2, and to Memphis, 1-0. UCR finished a 2-2 at the tournament, having defeated the host Toreros on Saturday, 7-6, and beating UTEP, 6-4.

Overall the Highlanders are 10-11 this season.

UCR opened play on Sunday with a match-up against Memphis, and the game was a pitcher's duel between UCR senior starter Sara Radabaugh and Memphis starter Jenna Kubesch. Radabaugh threw a complete game allowing five hits and one earned run, a sixth inning homer by Leila Dolfo. However, Kubesch was just a little better, throwing a four-hit shutout and leading the Tigers to a 1-0 win.

Sunday's finale between Loyola Marymount and the Highlanders had to go into extra innings before the Lions prevailed, 3-2. Junior Roni Yee went 3-for-4 and freshman Marissa Alvidrez had a pair of hits. Each team scored runs in the second inning, with the Highlanders' tally coming on an RBI ground out by junior Cassie Greenawalt. LMU scored a single run in the top of the seventh, but UCR again answered in the bottom of the frame as freshman Lauren Bauer's bases loaded walk tied the game. With the international tie-breaker in effect in the eighth, LMU scored the tiebreaking run in the top of the inning. UCR could not answer in the bottom of the inning. Sophomore Stephanie Marshall was the hard luck loser, allowing two earned runs and striking out five in eight innings of work.

In late action Saturday, the Highlanders defeated UTEP 6-4 behind two hits each by junior April Murray, Yee, junior Kristie Martinez and Alvidrez. Martinez and Bauer each hit homers in the win, supporting the work of junior Christin Songer, who got the win in relief of starter Marshall.

Highlanders Beat Charlotte, Iowa at San Jose

(March 9, 2007) - The UC Riverside HIghlanders won both their games Friday at the NIST Tournament at Twin Creeks in Sunnyvale, CA Friday. UCR defeated Charlotte in the opener, 6-3, then topped Iowa, 7-5.

UCR is now 12-11 overall.

In the opener, freshman third baseman Lauren Bauer's seventh-inning grand slam capped off a six-run rally and led the Highlanders to a 6-3 come-from-behind win against Charlotte

The Highlanders trailed 1-0 entering the seventh inning when right fielder Tricia Adgar led off with a single and one out later April Murray, Traci Bender and Kristie Martinez followed with singles, the latter two accounting for a pair of runs. Marissa Alvidrez walked to reload the bases and one out later Bauer hammered her sixth homer of the year to give UCR a 6-1 lead. Charlotte scored two runs in the bottom of the inning off of UCR starter Christin Songer, but she held on to post the complete game win. Songer allowed seven hits and one earned run, strking out seven and walking one.

In the second game, UCR scored three runs in the third and three times in the sixth to help them past the Hawkeyes (12-9). UCR banged out 15 hits and got homers from Martinez and Danira Iolamo to support starting pitcher Stephanie Marshall, who moved to 6-5 with the win.

Highlanders Lose to Eastern Illinois, Northern Iowa in San Jose

(March 10, 2007) - The UC Riverside Highlanders lost two games at the NIST Tournament at San Jose Saturday. They fell to Eastern Illinois, 5-1, and Northern Iowa, 5-3.

In the opener against Northern Iowa, starter Marissa Alvidrez allowed four earned runs on four hits in 4.2 innings of work.

The Highlanders scored three runs off of UNI, getting single runs in the third, fiifth and seventh innings, but it was not enough as UNI got a pair of runs in the third and three in the fifth. UCR stranded 11 runners in the game.

In the nightcap against Eastern Illinois, the Highlanders managed just five hits and a single run in a 5-1 loss. Sara Radabaugh started and allowed eight hits and four runs in 5.2 innings of work.

Highlanders Fall to Iowa State, 6-2

(March 11, 2007) - The UC Riverside Highlanders lost a 6-2 decision to Iowa State University in their final game at the NIST Tournament at San Jose Sunday. The Highlanders finished 2-3 at the tournament and currently stand at 12-14.

UCR starter Christin Songer allowed 12 hits and four earned runs in 6.1 innings of work. Offensively, the Highlanders had four hits and scored a pair of fourth inning runs on freshman DP Marissa Alvidrez's fourth homer of the season, a two-run shot to center field.

Following the tournament, junior shortstop Kristie Martinez was named to the All-Tournament Team. Martinez hit .286 with a double, a homer and three RBI.

Highlanders Split With Eastern Kentucky, 4-3 & 5-0

(March 13, 2007) - The UC Riverside Highlanders split a non-conference double header with the visiting Eastern Kentucky University Colonels. EKU won the opener, 4-3 in eight innings, and the Highlanders took game two 5-0. UCR is now 13-15, while EKU is 7-13.

In the opener, junior left fielder Roni Yee went 4-for-4, but the Highlanders lost the 4-3 decision in an eight inning game decided by the international tiebreaker.

Tied 1-1 after seven, the Colonels started the eighth win the tiebreaker runner placed at second. UCR starter Stephanie Marshal walked catcher Becky Werle, the surrendered a single to right fielder Keri Macinsky to load the bases. Pinch-hitter Jena Handley then slapped a single to right to score a pair of runs. Moments later Shyenne Hussey lined a run scoring single for a 4-1 lead.

UCR came back in the bottom of the inning. With Kristie Martinez placed on second, first baseman Marissa Alvidrez singled to left. Lauren Bauer followed with a sacrifice fly to cut the score to 4-2. Catcher Cassie Greenawalt reached on a botched fielder's choice and designated player Rachael Crawford slapped a single to score a run and make it 4-3. But the Highlanders could get no closer as right fielder Tiana Towns hit into a force at third and pinch hitter Traci Bender popped out to end things.

UCR's shortstop Kristie Martinez accounted for the team's first run with an RBI double in the third inning that scored second baseman April Murray

Marshall fell to 6-6 with the loss, allowing four hits and walking five in eight innings of work. EKU's Kelsey Anderson improved to 5-6 with the win, allowing eight hits, walking three and striking out seven in the complete game win.

In the second game, the Highlanders scored two runs in the fourth on RBI singles by Bauer and Murray. In the fifth, Bauer helped account for the third run with a two out walk, taking second on a wild pitch and coming around on Greenawalt's single into the gap.

UCR added two unearned runs in the fifth, including Yee swiping home on the back end of a double steal.

Junior starter Christin Songer was the beneficiary of the outburst, improving to 7-3 by throwing her fifth complete game and first shutout of the season. Songer allowed four hits, walked three and struckout two in seven innings of work and was helped by some solid defensive play up the middle by Martinez at short and Murray at second.

Highlanders Split With Canisius

(March 14, 2007) - The host UC Riverside Highlanders split a non-conference double-header with Canisius College at the Amy S. Harrison Field in Riverside Wednesday. UCR won the opener 5-3, but Canisius prevailed in the second game, 6-3.

UCR is now 14-16, while Canisius is 7-9

In game one, the Highlanders took advantage of some wildness by Canisius starter Juliette Bowers, whose three wild pitches in the fourth inning gave UCR a 4-2 lead.

Canisius third baseman Cameron Norton cranked a homer in the top of the sixth to cut the score to 4-3, but UCR scored an insurance run on a blooper reel play in the bottom of the inning. With runners on first and second and one out, pinch hitter Danira Iolamo popped up a ball near the plate. No infield fly rule was called as three Canisius players struggled to corral the ball, which glanced off of the glove of third baseman Cameron Norton. Relief pitcher Courtney Piar recovered the ball and threw to third in an attempt to get the force, but threw the ball into left field, allowing pinch runner Tiana Towns to score for a 5-3 lead.

Canisius loaded the bases in the top of the ninth off of starter Christin Songer, but she closed the door to finish off the complete game win. Songer improved to a team-best 8-3 with the win, allowing just one earned run on six hits and three walks, while striking out three. Left fielder Roni Yee and catcher Cassie Greenawalt each had two hits for the Highlanders.

UCR opened the scoring in game two as April Murray led off the first with a line-drive triple to right center and came home on a single by shortstop Kristie Martinez for a 1-0 lead.

The Golden Griffins scored a pair of unearned runs in the second off of Highlander starter Sara Radabaugh. First baseman Jamie Gerace, who had walked and moved to third on an error, scored on a passed ball and catcher Jess Martin scored when Martinez dropped a two-out infield pop-up by left fielder Lori Gilbert. In the third, shortstop Katie Miranto led off the inning with a triple then came home on a sacrifice fly by center fielder Jenny Maheu for a 3-1 lead.

Canisius scored three times in the top of the fifth as they put together four hits off of UCR reliever Stephanie Marshall. UCR came back with a pair of runs in the bottom of the inning as the Highlanders converted a hit batsman, a walk and a pair of singles by Martinez and designated player Marissa Alvidrez to cut the margin to 6-3.

Martinez and Alvidrez each had two hits for UCR, with Martinez adding two RBI. Sara Radabaugh took the loss, falling to 0-4 on the season. She allowed four hits and just one earned run. Griffin starter Linsay Garbacz improved to 2-2 with the win, allowing three earned runs on four hits, striking out seven in 4.2 innings of work. Juliette Bowers got her second save with two scoreless innings of work.

Highlanders Take Two From Brown, 8-0 & 1-0

(March 26, 2007) - The UC Riverside Highlanders swept a doubleheader from Brown University at Amy S. Harrison Field Monday afternoon. Freshman designated player Marissa Alvidrez collected three hits and knocked in four and sophomore starting pitcher Stephanie Marshall allowed only four hits in a 8-0 game one mercy-rule win for UCR. Junior starting pitcher Christin Songer picked up her ninth victory of the year in game two, scattering six hits in seven innings to earn a 1-0 win.

The Highlanders (16-16) jumped out in front in the first inning on three consecutive RBI singles from Alvidrez, junior first baseman Danira Iolamo, and freshman third baseman Lauren Bauer to give UCR a 3-0 lead.

Alvidrez picked up her second RBI in the fifth. Junior catcher Cassie Greenawalt tripled to lead off the inning, Alvidrez then knocked her in with a single and sophomore pinch-hitter Katie Curtis later picked up a RBI single to give UCR a 6-0 lead.

The Highlanders put runners on first and second with one out in the sixth for Alvidrez. She then doubled to right-center to drive in both runners and give UCR the 8-0 win.

Iolamo also finished with three hits and Greenawalt scored three runs in support of Marshall who improved to 7-6 by striking out one in six innings. Bear starter Jessica Iwasaki took the loss dropping to 0-1.

In game two, junior second baseman April Murray brought home freshman left fielder Nicole Carter on a sacrifice fly in the third to give UCR a 1-0 lead.

The one-run proved to be enough has Songer and the Highlander defense shut the door and a couple of Brown (6-8) rallies. Junior centerfielder Krystal Marquez threw out Brown’s Whitney Lewis at home after trying to score from second on a base hit in the fifth. The UCR defense again made a play in the sixth. With Brown’s Katie Rothamel again trying to score from first on a double down the left field line, Carter relayed the ball to shortstop Tiana Towns who then in turn fired a perfect throw to senior catcher Rachel Crawford to tag out the runner.

Songer improved to 9-3 by striking out three of the next four batters to preserve the 1-0 win for the Highlanders. Michelle Moses (0-1) took the loss for the Bears.

Highlanders Swept by Cal Poly, 5-0 & 7-0

(March 31, 2007) - The Cal Poly Mustangs swept the host UC Riverside Highlanders in the conference-opening double header. The Mustangs prevailed in game one, 5-0, then completed the doubleheader sweep with an 7-0 win in the night cap.

Cal Poly improved to 26-9 overall and 2-0 in the Big West, while UCR fell to 16-18, 0-2.

In the opener, Cal Poly starter Robyn Kontra threw her second shutout of the season in the opener, allowing just six hits and walking two as she improved to 7-2. UCR junior starter Christin Songer allowed four earned runs on eight hits, striking out a pair. Senior Sara Radabaugh wrapped up the game with a hitless 1.1 innings of work.

The Mustangs scored single runs in each of the first three innings, then a pair in the sixth inning. Mustang center fielder Lisa Modglin went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and two RBI.

In game two, Stephanie Tam's bases loaded triple down the right field line in the second inning gave the Mustangs a 3-0 lead. Modglin followed with an RBI single up the middle for a 4-0 advantage. Melissa Pura's double made it 5-0, but she was thrown out at third trying to stretch it into a triple.

The Mustangs scored single runs in the third inning on a Sarah Iwata RBI single and in the fourth on a bases loaded walk to Krysten Cary by UCR starter Stephanie Marshall.

The Highlanders put runners on first and second in both of the first two innings, but were unable to score in either of the frames. From there, Cal Poly starter Jenna Maiden went to work, retiring 11 in a row between the second and sixth innings before freshman designated player Marissa Alvidrez broke the string with a double.

Cal Poly was thwarted in their hopes of getting a mercy rule win in the seventh inning when UCR centerfielder Krystal Marquez gunned down Cary trying to score on a two-out single by catcher Jackie Gerhke-Jones.

Marshall took the loss, falling to 7-7. She allowed 13 hits and walked five, allowing seven earned runs and striking out six. Maiden improved to 8-3, allowing five hits and striking out five.

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