Box Score

TURLOCK, Calif. – The San Francisco State softball team fell short on Sunday in the semifinals of the Bronze Bracket at the Tournament of Champions, presented by Mizuno, falling to Montana State-Billings by a 5-3 count at Pedretti Park. 
 
Despite the loss, the Gators finished the weekend with a winning record at 4-2 and moved to 12-24 for the season.  Meanwhile, the Yellowjackets (24-8) earned a spot in the Bronze Bracket title game, where they ultimately dropped a 2-1 decision to Chaminade.
 
In Sunday's mid-afternoon affair, SF State and MSUB engaged in a classic pitcher's duel until the top of sixth inning, when the Yellowjackets broke a scoreless tie on a two-run homer by Annaleisha Parsley. 
 
MSUB then tacked on three additional markers in the seventh on RBI singles by Rose Harrington, Jenna VanEykeren and Emily Osborn
 
Stung, the Gators rallied for three runs in the bottom of the frame off Yellowjacket starter MaryGrace Bywater.  Courtney Gravel led off with a single and later scored on a dropped fly ball in the outfield, pinch-runner Heather Jensen soon touched the plate on Jordan Brenner's grounder, while Kelsey Murakami reached on a fielder's choice to plate Brittany Barcellos. 
 
With two outs, Lucy Fernandez then drew a walk to load the bases for the third time in the inning; however, MSUB reliever Jessyka MacDonald induced a ground out to squash the SF State threat and secure her first save of the season. 
 
Despite allowing four Gators to reach base in the final frame, Bywater (5-1) earned the victory after giving up all three runs on seven hits and one walk, while her SF State counterpart Becky Nakano (4-4) was saddled with the defeat, surrendering five runs on 10 hits in seven innings of work.
 
SF State was paced by Kylie Herrada's two hits, as the senior outfielder led the tournament with a .688 batting average (11-16), including three doubles,  four runs scored and a stolen base.
 
The Gators will return to California Collegiate Athletic Association play next weekend, April 6-7, when they travel to Arcata, Calif., to tackle Humboldt State in a four-game series.