(Northridge, Calif. – Feb. 17, 2024) - A day after falling in extra innings, the Trailblazers came out on the winning end of an extra-inning thriller on Saturday afternoon defeating Pacific, 7-6 in eight innings to close out the CSUN Matador Diamond Classic.

Utah Tech (3-5) continued its strong offensive showing totaling a season-best 12 hits led by a 3-for-3 performance from Rachel Campbell along with two-hit performances from LB Kahahawai-Kekona, Carly Eldredge and Laura Lockard.

Lockard drove in three RBIs, including the eventual game-winner in the eighth inning with a single to right field that brought home Eldredge.

Getting started with a run in the first inning after a bases-loaded walk to Gabi Giroux, the Tigers answered back with three runs in the bottom of the frame for an early 3-1 lead.

The Blazers responded back with three runs of their own getting an RBI single up the middle by Eldredge and a two-run RBI double by Lockard to give UT back the lead at 4-3.

After a scoreless third inning, the Tigers roared back into the lead in the fourth inning with two runs before the Blazers' answered back with RBI singles by Campbell and Kahahawai-Kekona in the fifth for a 6-5 lead.

A two-out RBI single by Pacific in the bottom of the sixth tied the game at six apiece and after Ellie Evans reached third base with no outs, without scoring, in the seventh, the Trailblazers went to extra innings for the second straight day.

With Eldredge starting at second, a sacrifice bunt by Marisa Rubio moved Eldredge to third with Lockard's RBI single bringing her home.

Coming on in relief of starting pitcher Sauren Garton, Attlyn Johnston worked around a fielding error by the Blazers in the bottom of the frame to keep the Tigers off the board to seal the win.

Up next
The Trailblazers return home for their home opener on Thursday taking on Idaho State (7-1) at 11 a.m. at Karl Brooks Field.