BAKERSFIELD, Calif.-- The Bakersfield softball team continued a  ten-game home stand and opened WAC play with a series against Utah Valley on Friday. The 'Runners began the series with a 4-1 loss to the Wolverines.

Utah Valley opened the game with two runs in the top of the first. A leadoff walk and then a throwing error on a sacrifice bunt set up a two-RBI single for Brittney Vansway. Bakersfield responded with a run of its own in the bottom half of the inning when Sydney Raeber (So., Hanford, Calif., Hanford HS) sent an RBI double to the left center gap that plated Karissa Veiga (Sr., Hemet, Calif., Hemet HS). The 'Runners left two stranded as they trailed 2-1 through the first inning and would not score another run.

Another unearned run in the top of the second gave Utah Valley a 3-1 advantage. The Wolverines took a 4-1 lead over the 'Runners into the fourth inning after the fourth 'Runner error of the game allowed another run to score.

Bakersfield put two runners on in the fourth, one in the fifth and two in the sixth, but was unable to capitalize on any opportunities in those innings. The team ended the game with a total of seven runners left on base.

Utah Valley's starting pitcher, Josi Summers, came on to finish the job in the seventh and matched Kelsie Monroe's (Jr., Los Banos, Calif., San Joaquin Delta College) complete game with her own. Summers ended the day giving up four hits and two walks with one earned run while striking out five 'Runners. Brittney Vansway went 3-3 in the game with two RBI while Dynasty Lauvai knocked in an RBI as well.

"I don't think they played together as a team like they did against Fullerton," said Head Coach Crissy Buck-Ziegler. "That's what I have asked them to do for tomorrow's doubleheader." 

Raeber finished the day going 1-4 while recording the only Bakersfield RBI of the day. Monroe pitched all seven innings for the 'Runners, giving up four runs despite only one run being earned. The junior also struck out four Wolverines while walking only one.

Bakersfield and Utah Valley will return to the Roadrunner Softball Complex on Saturday for a doubleheader to close the WAC opening series. First pitch of Game 1 is scheduled for 1 p.m.

~www.GoRunners.com~