DENVER, Colo. – The Montana State University Billings Yellowjackets softball team was defeated in a doubleheader against Metropolitan State University of Denver on Saturday in Denver, Colorado.
 
The 'Jackets (2-6) were defeated by the Roadrunners (2-3) in two games, the first being a close battle until the end that resulted in a 6-7 loss, followed by a 1-12 final in the second game
 
Game One: MSUB 6, MSU DENVER 7
 
The Yellowjackets found themselves in a 1-0 deficit early in the first inning but got the momentum going in the top of the third with a leadoff single from freshman Jillian Karsjen. Delaney Vazquez reach on a hit by pitch, followed by a single from Marleigh Nieto to load up the bases for the 'Jackets. Two batters later, freshman Destiny Villas would launch a grand slam over the centerfield wall to put the Yellowjackets up 4-1. The home run was the first of Villas' collegiate career.
 
The Roadrunners tacked on one run in the bottom of the fifth to close the lead to two, but the 'Jackets responded immediately with two more runs in the sixth inning. Senior Lex Tovar capitalized on an MSU Denver walk and fielding error with a double to right-center gap to bring two more runs in, bringing the lead up to four runs. The Roadrunner bats would come alive in the sixth and seventh innings though, allowing them to score five runs to defeat the Yellowjackets in a late push. Jacket's pitcher Ashley Akers went for 6.2 innings, marking the longest outing of her career.
 
Game Two: MSUB 1, MSU DENVER 12
 
Game two on the day proved to be a tougher challenge for the Yellowjackets. Marleigh Nieto recorded two hits for doubles, along with a double from reigning GNAC Softball Player of the Week Grace Hood. The lone other hit for the Jackets' would come from Mia Anderson in the top of the fifth inning with a single, who would eventually come home on a double by Nieto. The Roadrunners hot bats and fielding errors would plague the 'Jackets, resulting in the 1-12 loss. 
 
THE BUZZ: Destiny Villas was selected as the Intermountain Health Player of the game in game one with the third inning grand slam, tallying four RBI's, and one run scored. Marleigh Nieto was selected for game two with two hits and one RBI.
 
UP NEXT: MSUB continued their road trip in Golden, Colorado tomorrow Sunday, February 7^th in a pair of games against Colorado School of Mines (2-3) at 12 & 2 PM MST.