UC Santa Barbara (9-7) fell to San Jose State (7-8) with a final score of 7-5 on Sunday in Cathedral City, Calif. Despite some late inning pushes, the Gauchos were unable to overcome a six run deficit.
The game began with San Jose State taking an early lead in the first inning on a sacrifice fly by Reeve, bringing the score to 1-0.
The Gauchos responded in the bottom of the first with Jazzy Santos singling through the left side, but the team was unable to capitalize, leaving three runners on base without scoring.
In the fourth inning, the Gauchos got on the scoreboard with an unearned run. Delaina Ma’ae singled up the middle and was replaced by pinch runner Katie Terrazas, who advanced to third on a single by Alexa Sams and a throwing error.
Bella Fuentes then hit a sacrifice fly to right field, allowing Terrazas to score, narrowing the deficit to 2-1.
The fifth inning was pivotal for the Gauchos, scoring four runs. Mendoza walked and later scored on a single by Ma’ae.
Fuentes delivered a three-run homer, bringing in Ma’ae and Ainsley Waddell, making the score 7-5 in favor of the Spartans.
The Gauchos were unable to score in the remaining innings, despite a single by Ma’ae in the seventh. San Jose State maintained their lead, resulting in a final score of 7-5.
Both teams recorded nine hits, while the Gauchos left seven runners on base throughout the game.
UC Santa Barbara will host Saint Mary’s, Creighton, and UNLV in their UC Santa Barbara Tournament. The Gauchos open the event with a doubleheader against Saint Mary’s on Thursday, Feb. 27. The first of the two games will begin at noon.