IRVINE, Cali. – The Montana State University Billings softball team dropped the final game of the Concordia Kickoff Classic, losing 6-3 to Cal State San Bernardino.
 
The Yellowjackets (2-3) hung close for a majority of the game, but were unable to find a way past their opponents. Despite being outhit 11 to four in the game, the 'Jackets stayed just a run or two behind the Yotes until the sixth inning, when San Bernardino tacked on to seal the game.
 
"We just came out a little flat this morning." Said head coach Lisa McKinney. "San Bernardino did a good job of putting the ball in play, and capitalizing on runners in scoring position. We just needed to make some better adjustments throughout the game."
 
Lauren Blaschak went 1-4, picking up a hit in every game over the weekend. She and Marin Penney each reach base in the first inning, giving the 'Jackets an opportunity to capitalize early. But Blaschak was caught stealing, and Penney was left stranded, leaving the 'Jackets scoreless. From there the Yotes scored three runs in the next two innings, forcing MSUB to play from behind.
 
The 'Jackets battled hard to stay in the game, capitalizing on mistakes when Claire Bagnell scored on an error in the third inning, and Shelby Martin scored two on a double in the fourth inning. But down just one run, San Bernardino scored two runs in the top half of the sixth, putting the game out of reach.
 
Overall, the 'Jackets finished with 28 runs in the tournament, one of the top offensive units at the Concordia Kickoff Classic, and showed a lot of promise for the season to come.
 
"We had a lot of great moments across the weekend's games." Said McKinney. "It was a solid start to the year, and we'll look to build on our performances for Tuesday."
 
THE BUZZ: Martin was selected as the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Game… Both Lauren Blaschak and Payton Meyer were selected for the All-Tournament Team… Blaschak hit .471 in five games with a 1.232 OPS. She had eight hits, seven runs, four doubles, two RBIs, and two steals… Meyer hit .308, with an 1.207 OPS. She hit two home runs, one of them an inside the parker, and totaled five RBIs.
 
UP NEXT: Despite the end of the tournament, the 'Jackets remain in Irvine to face off against #19 Concordia University, playing a double header against the Golden Eagles on Tuesday, February 7. The first game is scheduled to begin at 3 PM (4 PM MST), with the second game commencing shortly after. Live video and statistics will be available here.