TURLOCK, Calif. - A early 7-0 deficit proved to be too much for the UC San Diego softball team to overcome Sunday, as the Tritons ultimately fell 8-2 to Dixie State in the Tournament of Champions' Gold Bracket.
UCSD falls to 23-11 on the season after going 4-2 in the three-day competition hosted by Cal State Stanislaus. The Tritons have won 15 of their last 18 games. The DSC squad from Utah improved to 20-9 overall with the victory before falling in the next round to Sonoma State, the eventual Gold Bracket title winner.
Sophomore Tess Granath and junior Kris Lesovsky earned spots on the All-Tournament Team for their performances this weekend. Granath hurled 15 innings across the three days, going a perfect 3-0 while racking up nine strikeouts. Lesovsky finished 9-for-20 with two homeruns and seven runs batted.
In Sunday morning's contest between the Red Storm and the Tritons, UCSD starter Camille Gaito gave up two early runs after allowing seven baserunners and was replaced by Christine Zankich. With lackluster defense behind her, Zankich recorded one out and left the game with DSC holding a 7-0 advantage.
To start the top of fifth, Lesovsky lifted a homerun over the leftfield fence to offer a glimmer of hope. Junior Sarah Woofter would score a run later in the inning when freshman Katie Belanger reached first on a fielder's choice as UCSD cut the lead to 7-2.
The Red Storm would add a late run, securing the final result of 8-2.
On the weekend, the Tritons offense was also led by Mandi Eliades and Woofter. Eliades went 7-for-18 while Woofter contributed a 6-for-16 effort.
Gaito and Granath, despite a tough finish in the weekend finale, threw a combined 30 innings over the three days while allowing just five earned runs.
UCSD resumes California Collegiate Athletic Association play when it hosts Cal State Dominguez Hills on Friday.
