POCATELLO, Idaho — The Portland State softball team dropped its Big Sky Tournament opener to Sacramento State, 11-1 in five innings, Monday morning at Direct Communications Field at Miller Ranch Stadium.
The loss moved the sixth-seeded Vikings to 14-31 overall, while the third-seeded Hornets improved to 31-17. Sacramento State will play a second game later Monday, while the Vikings return to action Tuesday in an elimination game.
The Vikings struck first, scoring their lone run in the opening inning. Grace Johnson worked a leadoff walk, stole second and later came home on a sacrifice fly from Abigail Carsley to give Portland State a 1-0 lead.
Sacramento State responded in the bottom of the first to take a 3-1 lead and continued to add on, pulling away with three runs in the fourth and five in the fifth to secure the run-rule victory.
The Vikings were limited to two hits on the day, with Breanna Lutz and Sherreigh Nakoa-Chung each recording one. Nakoa-Chung (9-12) took the loss in the circle, throwing 3.2 innings, while Giselle Pantoja and Gracie Walters each saw time in relief.
Portland State will play an elimination game Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. PT / 11:00 a.m. MT against the loser of Idaho State and Montana.
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