LAS VEGAS – The Humboldt State softball team had a tough first day at the Desert Stinger Tournament in Las Vegas as it dropped contests to Montana State-Billings, 6-3, and Central Washington, 10-3.
 
After going ahead 3-0 on a Tiffany Hollingsworth two-run double, HSU saw its lead evaporate. Montana State-Billings (1-0) plated three runs in its next two at bats for the victory. In the late game, Central Washington (2-0) recorded a five-run top of the fifth, three unearned, and doubled the output in the following two innings for a 10-3 win over HSU (1-3).
 
"It was a tough day. We are a better team than we are showing and we know that we are capable," said HSU Head Coach Shelli Sarchett. "Right now, we are pressing and trying to do too much. We have to relax and play Jacks softball. It will come and we all know it."
 
On the day, Hollingsworth carried the big HSU stick. The sophomore drove in five of the team's six runs. She finished 3-for-6 with a double and a triple.
 
Alison McKibbon and Darian Harris both lined a double and a single. Julie Pena laced an RBI double, while Cyndi Chavez had two hits.
 
On Saturday, HSU looks to rebound against Western Oregon at 4:30 p.m. and Augustana (S.D.) at 7 p.m.
 
Game 1
 
In the top of the third, Harris smashed a single to center field and stole second base. Two batters later, Pena doubled to drive Harris home for an HSU 1-0 lead.
 
McKibbon and Hanna Holland drew walks in the visiting fourth. With two outs, Hollingsworth drove both Jack runners home with a double to left center for a 3-0 advantage.
 
Montana State-Billings tied the game in the home fourth off a three-run home run. The Yellowjackets added a second three-run frame in the sixth and went on for the 6-3 victory.
 
Game 2
 
After four scoreless innings, Central Washington pushed across five runs, three unearned in the top of the fifth.
 
Carly Perkins and Chavez singled and Holland loaded the bases with a walk. Following an out, Hollingsworth drove a triple to right field to pull HSU within two, 5-3, after five complete innings.
 
The Wildcats did not let up. Central Washington scored twice in the sixth and three times in the seventh, while holding HSU silent for the 10-3 win.