This season, UC Riverside softball is off to its best start in Division I program history after a successful weekend, hosting the Highlander Classic at the Amy S. Harrison Field.
Beginning on Friday afternoon, the game on the docket for the Highlanders was a showdown versus Howard University. Though the team got on the board first, the Bisons reeled off four runs in the fifth and sixth innings to secure a 4-2 victory over UCR.
Game two of the Highlander Classic saw UC Riverside hold off the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 8-7, in a game that featured 25 combined hits from both squads.
Heading into the seventh inning with UCR leading 6-4, UNCG’s Lacey Leary smacked a three-run homer to left field to put the Spartans ahead 7-6.
UCR responded under adversity, however, as two runs from Shylene Helms and Taylor Wright secured the Highlanders’ first win of its home tournament.
On Saturday, the Highlanders recorded their most lopsided victory of the season, dismantling Howard University 15-0 in five innings.
Three of UCR’s 10 hits were home runs as the Highlanders moved to 18-6 on the season, which is the best start for the softball program since the transition to Division I athletics.
The blue and gold continued their winning ways on Sunday as the Highlanders recorded their first win against the last remaining tournament participant, Loyola Marymount, posting a 6-0 score for the day.
UCR remains at home for a Tuesday doubleheader against Bryant University.
