Box Score LOS ANGELES – LMU softball's opening day was spoiled after Cal put up five runs in the first and held the lead throughout despite a late rally by the Lions. The Golden Bears took the game, 10-7, despite the Lions scoring seven runs over the final three innings.
 
Cal scored five runs in the opening frame. Four of those runs came off starter Savannah Hooks, but only three were earned. Jenna Perez came in to get the three outs to close the first and ended up pitching 5.1 innings.
 
Adele Braun put the Lions on the board in the fifth inning with a two-out two-run pinch hit home run to cut into the lead and bring the Lions within three, 5-2.
 
The Golden Bears responded with a three-run top of the sixth, scoring runs on a sac bunt, wild pitch, and RBI single.
 
The home bats stayed alive in the bottom half of the sixth. Jasmine Sofowora and Morgan DeBord each hit home runs off Sona Halajian to bring it to an 8-4 game. Following a two-out walk from Lilliana Thomas, Taylor Fitch brought her home with a double off the glove of the right fielder to pull LMU within three heading to the final inning.
 
Jessica Hubbard came in for relief after inheriting a leadoff walk. The right-handed pitcher recorded two outs before Cal's two-hitter doubled home a pair of runs.
 
The Lions would not go quietly into the night. Sydney Poole singled to start the late rally. Soforwara followed with a one-out walk to set up Izzy Jamgotchian at the plate. Jamgotchian took a 2-1 pinch down the right field line past the bag to score both runners and make it a 10-7 game. The Lions were unable to add any more runners and fell short of completing the comeback.
 
The weekend continues with two games Saturday in Westwood, before returning to Smith Field Sunday to host Washington and Cal State Bakersfield.
 
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