SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- A two-out two-run double in the bottom of the ninth inning was the difference in the nightcap for the Fairfield University softball team as the Stags fell to the University of San Diego by a 4-3 score. Earlier in the day, San Diego State posted a 9-1 win over Fairfield in five innings.

The second game provided a great deal of excitement as the two teams battled through seven scoreless innings behind strong pitching performances from Fairfield's hurlers Destinee Pallotto and Lauryn Rhinehart. Pallotto did not allow any runs in her four innings of work, allowing three hits before yielding to Rhinehart in the bottom of the fifth inning. The freshman kept the game scoreless over the next three innings, which allowed the Stags offense to eventually score a couple of runs in the top of the eighth inning. 

After a ground out to start the inning, Kate Robinson was called on as a pinch hitter and the senior delivered a double to left center. Cynthia Meringer followed with an infield single to put runners on the corner with one out. Drew Westford brought home the game's first runs with a triple to right center field that chased Robinson and Meringer home and gave a 2-0 lead to the visitors. San Diego managed to tie the game in the bottom of the eighth inning with a two-out double by Lindsay Clare, sending the game to the ninth inning.

Once again, the Stags managed to take the lead with a single run in their at-bat, a rally which began with a walk to Courtney Hankins, who surrendered her spot on the base for pinch runner Makenna DiGiulio. She promptly stole second base to place herself in scoring position. Angelina McGuire brought home the team's third run with a double. But once again, San Diego managed to rally but this time scored two runs to erase the one-run deficit and come away with the win. Hannah Gilliland was responsible for the deciding hit as she laced a double to left field.

In the opener, San Diego State scored five first-inning runs to take control right from the start. Fairfield picked up its only run in the top of the second inning when McGuire led off with a base hit to left field. Hannah Futo put a pair of runners on base with single up the middle before a fielder's choice left runners on the corners with one out. DiGiuilio fanned for the second out but McGuire and Alisha Marshall pulled off a double steal that posted the Stags' only run of the game.

The Stags will have Thursday off before starting play in the Loyola-Marymount Tournament which starts with Fairfield playing a single game against Colgate and the host, the first of five games that Fairfield will play in the three-day event.