Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 IRVINE, Cali. – The Montana State University Billings softball team suffered a pair of losses at the hand of #19 Concordia University Irvine, concluding their road trip to California.
 
Playing their second ranked opponent of the season, the Yellowjackets (2-5) were unable to pull off the upset, like they did against Cal State San Marcos. The Golden Eagles (7-1) jumped out to big leads in both games, which MSUB was unable to overcome.
 
Game 1: MSUB 2, CUI 10
 
Concordia Irvine showed why they were ranked #19 to begin the season, taking the 'Jackets down in five innings for the first game of the day. After a scoreless first for both teams, the Golden Eagles scored eight runs in the next two innings, jumping out to a lead the 'Jackets were unable to come back from.
Marin Penney hit her first home run of the season in the top of the fourth, and reached on a fielder's choice in the fifth inning. She batted in the only two runs the 'Jackets scored in the game. Teagan Seeton scored the run on Penney's hit in the fifth. The home run was MSUB's sole hit in the game.
 
"We made too many errors in game one." Said 'Jackets head coach Lisa McKinney. "We dug ourselves into a hole early on, and just couldn't find a way out this game. I thought our offense started to make some adjustments in the fourth, especially after Marin's home run.
 
Game 2: MSUB 3, CUI 9
 
Things looked promising for the 'Jackets when they struck first in the top of the third inning. After a Madeline Elbert double to lead off the inning, Lauren Blaschak sent a ball over the fence in right centerfield for her first home run of the season. Just three batters later, a Maycen O'Neal single scored Shelby Marquardt, and the Yellowjackets were up 3-0.
 
But that would be the only inning in which MSUB scored. And after tying the game up in the fourth, a six run fifth inning would by Concordia Irvine in full control of game two. The teams had an identical nine hits, but the Golden Eagles hit three home runs in the game, using their power to pull ahead and sweep the double header.
 
"I thought we responded well in game two." Said McKinney. "Irvine did a good job of hitting with runners in scoring position. We cleaned up our defense and hit better as a whole. We have some things we need to work at and fix before our next tournament."

THE BUZZ: Penney was selected St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Game for game one with her home run and two RBIs… Blaschak was selected for game two… she has a hit in five of her first six games this season… Marquardt hit 3-4 in the second game, setting a new career high for hits in a game.
 
UP NEXT: The 'Jackets don't play for another week and a half, after which they travel to participate at the Bubble Invite in Minot, North Dakota. Their first games will be on February 18, when MSUB takes on Minot State at 9 AM (8 AM MST), and Carroll College at 4:30 PM (3:30 PM MST). Live statistics will be available here.