PHOENIX, Ariz. – Humboldt State's softball team clinched its first two wins at the Schutt's Tournament on Thursday, defeating No. 9 nationally ranked  St. Mary's of Texas and Central Washington.

In the first game, a 4-0 win over St. Mary's, all the action happened early with all of the Lumberjacks' runs scored in the top of the first. Caitlin Klug led off the game with a single, Chrissy Motzny added another, and Natalie Galletly walked to load the bases.

After an out was recorded, Francesca West singled in the first HSU score, and Nikki Ketteringham singled to score another and keep the bases loaded. Another run scored when Ashley Oltjenbruns was hit by a pitch, and the final tally came on a single by Kirsten Nouzovsky.

“This game felt like a championship game,” said Humboldt State's head softball coach Frank Cheek. “Three years ago they were national champions and they have great hitters. Lizzy (Prescott) did a great job pitching.”

Prescott stuck out 12, including six in nine at-bats during one stretch, to earn the win.

In the second game, Central Washington put up a fight, but fell to the Jacks 7-6 for HSU's second game of the day. Humboldt State had to rally from behind to earn the victory in the bottom of the seventh; the tying and winning runs were scored on Oltjenbruns' single.

Hannah Jones started the second game for HSU, giving up three earned runs on five hits in 2 2/3 innings. Kristina Lewis pitched to three batters before Prescott entered the game to face the final 15 batters and earn another win.

“Lizzy got the two wins today,” said Cheek. “We need help from our number two, three and four pitchers. We're not bunting as we should, we can't get the bunt down. Tomorrow we're looking to start Lewis one of the games.”

Prescott's pair of victories improved her record to 8-1 on the season and the Lumberjacks now hold an 8-2 overall record.

Humboldt State returns to action in the Schutt's Tournament on Friday when the Jacks face Fort Hays State, of Kansas. The'll continue action in either the championship or consolation bracket later in the day and finish off the tournament on Saturday.