The UC Santa Barbara softball team defeated Iowa State with a final score of 7-5 on Saturday. A four-run outburst in the fifth inning proved decisive, securing the win for the Gauchos.
In the second inning, UC Santa Barbara took the lead when Giselle Mejia singled, followed by hits from Emily Carr and Jaelyn Toledo to load the bases.
Dani Rauscher then tripled to center field, bringing in three runs as Mejia, Carr, and Toledo scored. The inning concluded with UC Santa Barbara ahead 3-1.
The fifth inning saw UC Santa Barbara extend its lead. Jazzy Santos singled, and Ainsley Waddell and Tehya Banks drew walks to load the bases. A pinch runner, Katie Terrazas, scored on Mejia’s single to left field, which also drove in Santos.
Bella Fuentes then singled, allowing Banks and Mejia to score, increasing the lead to 7-1 by the end of the inning.
In the seventh inning, ISU attempted a comeback, scoring four runs. However, UC Santa Barbara maintained its composure and closed the game with a 7-5 victory.
UC Santa Barbara and Iowa State will finish off the UC Santa Barbara Tournament with a single game tomorrow, with first pitch at 10:30 a.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ with live stats available.