University of Nevada Athletics

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Coming off its 4-1 weekend and win over No. 17 Utah at the Red Desert Classic, the Nevada softball team fell to the Sacramento State Hornets in both games of the double-header matchup. After Wednesday's games, the Pack's season record stands at 12-8, heading into this weekend's contests at the Nevada Classic.

In the first game, the Hornets (5-7-1) used a two-run third inning to take an early 2-0 lead, in which they tacked on another run in the bottom of the sixth to seal the first game, 3-0. Senior McKenna Isenberg and reigning Mountain West Pitcher of the Week, tossed six innings for the Pack in its first game, striking out four batters and allowing just one earned run in the process.

Juniors Aaliyah Gibson and Erika Hansen both went 1-for-3 in the opening contest, to extend their reach-base streaks to 13 games in a row. Senior Raquel Martinez also went 1-for-3 in the game to round off the Wolf Pack players that collected a hit in the first game.

The Hornets (6-7-1) jumped out to an early 1-0 in the bottom of the first of the second game and the Pack responded in the top of the second by threating to put runs of its own on the board. Sophomore Alyssa Mendez singled to begin the inning, which was followed by senior Nikki Orozco beating out a single of her own to put runners on first and second with no one out.

After senior Melissa Arriaga used a sacrifice bunt to move both runners into scoring position, Martinez drew a walk to load the bases for freshman Sierra Mello. Despite not crossing the plate, the Pack finished the top of the inning stringing together two hits and producing a walk.

Nevada continued to show its grit in the seventh inning, loading the bases once more but the Pack was unable to produce another late-game comeback as the Hornets took the 5-0 victory in the second game. Mello managed to reach base in both games, extending her team-high 14th consecutive game where she has reached base.

The Pack will be back on the field this weekend as the team takes on Utah Valley and Saint Mary's at the Nevada Classic March 10-12. The three-day event will be held at Hixson Park and tickets can be purchased in advanced on NevadaWolfPack.com.