LA MIRADA, Cali. – The Montana State University Billings softball team was defeated in it's season opening contest, falling 10-3 against Cal State East Bay at the Concordia Kickoff Classic.
 
With the contest moved from it's original location at Great Park due to weather, the Yellowjackets (0-1) would come up short against the Pioneers (1-0). The 'Jackets allowed eight runs across the first two innings, proving to be an insurmountable lead as the bats didn't get going until later in the game.
 
The Yellowjackets were led offensively by Bryn Lucht, with the freshman outfielder going 1-3, collecting her first two collegiate RBIs on a RBI triple. The Yellowjackets' other hit came from Alexis Tovar, who likewise went 1-3. Kaylin Galvin also drove in her first run as a Yellowjacket on a sacrifice fly. Teagan Seeton worked two walks, while Marin Penney and Jazlyn Kalehuawehe each earned one free pass. Shelby Wasilewski pitched four innings in relief in her first collegiate action, allowing just two runs down the stretch.
 
East Bay wasted no time getting things started, with five of their first six batters reaching base to take a 4-0 lead after the first inning. They would repeat those efforts in the top of the second as well, highlighted by a three-run home run to take an early 8-0. The Yellowjackets would recover to play competitive softball from there on out, finally getting on the scoreboard with Lucht's RBI triple in the fourth quarter to drive in Kilee Imada and Madelyne Elbert, before Galvin's sac fly would bring the freshman home. The 'Jackets would be unable to add any more runs in the game however, and the Pioneers would manage to see things out, adding a pair of runs on their way to a 10-3 victory.
 
THE BUZZ: Lucht was selected as the Intermountain Health Player of the Game.
 
UP NEXT: The Yellowjackets are scheduled for two games tomorrow, taking place at CSUSB Softball Park. They first match up against Hawaii Pacific at 12 PM PT (1 PM MT), before taking on Cal State San Bernardino at 2:30 PM (3:30 PM). Live statistics for each game will be available here.