TURLOCK, Cali. – The Montana State University Billings softball team concluded the Tournament of Champions in California with a 4-2 victory over Dominican University of California.
 
The win gave the Yellowjackets (13-19, 5-7 GNAC) a 2-3 record throughout the three day tournament, where they won their last two games. Both teams scored their runs in the third inning, with the Yellowjacket's responding to Dominican's (14-16, 9-5 CCAA) offensive outburst with four runs in the bottom of the third to give them the win.
 
"I'm proud of our team for coming out strong today," said Yellowjacket's head coach Lisa McKinney. "We had different players step up when we needed them to, and I love to see our group have different players step up to get the job done for us."
 
After a pair of scoreless innings for both teams, the Penguins got on the board first in the third inning. Following back to back singles and steals from Kate Tobola and Melissa Garcia, first baseman Marina Medina singled up the middle to score both runners, putting Dominican up 2-0. The 'Jackets would immediately respond in the bottom of the inning though. After a walk of Makayla Stoker, and singles from Shelby Marquardt and Teagan Seeton, Jazlyn Kalehuawehe put a sac fly into right, scoring Stoker. The next batter, Marin Penney, reach on an error, while Marquardt scored on the play. Then with two outs, and runners on second and third, Shelby Martin doubled to right center, scoring the two runners and putting the Yellowjacket's in the lead.
 
Those four runs would be all the Yellowjackets needed in the game. Alyssa Etheridge didn't allow a run for the rest of the game, only letting three runners touch base after the fourth inning, and the defense behind her backed her up, turning two double plays in the final three innings.
 
"Alyssa attacked the zone well today," said McKinney. "She was awesome for us, especially down the stretch. And our defense did a great job backing her up, turning three double plays on the day."
 
Etheridge finished with four strikeouts in a full seven innings work, allowing seven hits and a walk. Martin ended the day 2-3 with a pair of RBIs, while Seeton reached base in all three of her at bats, with two hits and a walk. Marquardt was 1-2, and Penney was 1-3 with a stolen base.
 
THE BUZZ: Martin was selected as the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Day.
 
UP NEXT: The Yellowjackets are scheduled to face off against Sonoma State University in a doubleheader on Tuesday, April 4, beginning at 12 PM (1PM MST). Live statistics will be available here, and live video will be available here.