Box Score LAS VEGAS – A squeeze play in the bottom of the seventh inning scored the go-ahead run as the Humboldt State softball team defeated University of Mary 7-6 Friday evening in the Lumberjacks' season opener.

With one out and runners on second and third, HSU starting pitcher Lexee Sheiring walked to the plate with an opportunity to give her team a victory and herself a winning decision. Sheiring took the count to 1-1 before dropping a squeeze bunt to the pitcher that brought home the Jacks' seventh run.

A Danica Grier RBI single and a Ryle Carlier homer put the North Coast team in front 3-0 after one inning. Grier finished the game with a team-high three hits in her four opportunities, including her first home run of the season.

The Marauders evened the game with three runs on one hit and an error in the second frame and took a 4-3 advantage as they plated another run in the third.

Sheiring walked a tightrope Friday. The sophomore went the distance and tossed 144 pitches in the process. She fanned seven, but walked six and escaped more than one dangerous run-scoring opportunity. Trailing 4-3, Sheiring locked in and kept the University of Mary from adding to its lead over the next three innings.

Grier belted a three-run homer to centerfield to put the Green and Gold ahead 6-4 heading into the seventh.

The University of Mary responded with two runs in the top of the seventh inning with the help of HSU's third error of the game. Sheiring kept the game close by setting down the final two batters as runners stood at first and second base.

Back-to-back walks to open the last inning and a sacrifice bunt set up Sheiring for the game-winning play.

HSU faces Minot State immediately following tonight's season opener.