CHICO, Calif. – Humboldt State softball struck first in both of Tuesday's games versus rival Chico State but the pesky Wildcats proved to be too much to handle as they rallied for a pair of wins and a series victory. The Lumberjacks lost the first game, 8-3, and dropped the series finale, 4-2.

Danica Grier got the Jacks on the board early with an RBI double, scoring Hanna Holland, for the game's first run. The Wildcats tied the game in the bottom of the first and moved in front with an RBI double before Amanda Flores broke the game open with a two-run single in the second, giving Chico the 5-1 lead. Brooke Larson pitched five innings for the home team and surrendered four hits, three walks, and a run. Flores took to the circle for the final two frames and gave up two hits, two runs, and a walk.

JoAna Mullins hit an RBI single into centerfield in the top of the sixth, and Holland scored her second run off an error in the final frame. Chloe Teese relieved starter Lexee Sheiring and the freshman logged 2.1 scoreless innings while surrendering two hits and a walk.

The Jacks jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the second game but were unable to maintain their advantage. Rylie Carlier got the scoring started in the first inning as she singled through the right side driving Holland home for her third run of the day. Illa Haley laid down a sacrifice bunt in the top of the third that scored Mariah Tovar. Megan Holt tossed 5.1 innings for the Green and Gold as she relinquished four runs on eight hits and three walks.

An RBI double from Bailey Atkins sparked a three-run sixth inning for the Wildcats as the home team battled back for the win. Reilani Peleti sent Atkins home on a double of her own the next at-bat before an RBI single from Brooke Larsen gave the Wildcats their fourth run of the game. Sam Mullock secured her first win of the season after pitching a complete game allowing two runs on six hits and three walks.

The North Coast squad returns home this weekend for a four-game series versus San Francisco State. The home opener is scheduled to begin Friday at noon. Fans are encouraged to visit HSUJacks.com for schedule updates, recaps and more.