Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

TURLOCK, Calif. – The Montana State University Billings softball team wrapped up their time in Turlock, Calif. by splitting their two games on Sunday in the Bronze Bracket of the Tournament of Champions. The Yellowjackets opened the day by downing San Francisco State 5-3 in the semifinal matchup of the bracket and then, when offered a chance to redeem themselves against Chaminade University, the 'Jackets faltered in the finals matchup 1-2.
 
With the split decision on Sunday, MSUB closes out the tournament 4-3 and are now 24-8 heading into this weekend's home Great Northwest Athletic Conference series.
 
Bronze Bracket Semifinal: MSUB 5, San Francisco State 3
 
Sunday's semifinal game was the definition of a pitchers' duel as the first five innings passed by scoreless with both teams placing runners on the bags, but struggling to move them over. MSUB stranded four runners in the first five innings while San Francisco State University (12-24) left just three.
 
In the sixth inning, the 'Jackets finally broke through when Annaleisha Parsley knocked her third home run of the season. The 5-8 senior also moved Olivia Heidinger across the dish to give MSUB the late 2-0 lead.
 
The Gators managed to place two runners on the bags in the bottom of the innings, but the Yellowjackets' stiff defense stood strong behind hurler Mary Grace Bywater.
 
The Yellowjackets tacked on three more runs in the top of the seventh inning spurred by Rose Harrington batting in Becca Frank before Jenna VanEykeren knocked in Bobbie Lee. Emily Osborn rounded out the scoring drive by moving Harrington across the plate with a single through the right side.
 
San Francisco State avoided the shutout with three runs in the bottom of the inning and had the winning run on first with bases loaded, but the Yellowjacket defense once again stepped up, this time behind Jessyka MacDonald, to end the game and advance to the Bronze Bracket finals.
 
Bywater earned the victory inside the circle for MSUB while MacDonald earned the save. Becky Nakano went all seven innings for SFSU to suffer the loss.
 
Bronze Bracket Final: MSUB 1, Chaminade 2
 
Sunday's Bronze Bracket finals featured a chance at redemption for MSUB against the Silverswords of Chaminade University (12-18), but the Yellowjackets were unable to capitalize on the second chance.
 
Chaminade eased out to an early 1-0 lead in the first inning and then tacked on another run in the fourth before MSUB scored their lone run in the sixth inning in an attempt at a come-from-behind win. Harrington crossed the plate for the 'Jackets for the score.
 
Amanda Todd suffered the loss to fall to 5-2 for the season after going all seven innings. She struck out two batters.
 
Brett Aspel, who faced off against the MSUB batters in their last meeting, recorded the win in the circle for the Silverswords.
 
Following the long weekend on the road, MSUB will return home for their next six games over three dates. The 'Jackets will first welcome the Wildcats of Central Washington University on Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7. Both days will feature doubleheaders and will start at 1 p.m.