REDLANDS, Cal. — California Lutheran University Softball was on the road for the first of a three game series against the Redlands Bulldogs on Friday. Despite a big late game push, the Regals were unable to catch the Bulldogs in a 9-7 loss.

Redlands got on the board early with a leadoff home run that started a 3 run first inning.

Starting pitcher Taryn Faull settled in after the first and the Regal defense held the Bulldogs scoreless for the next 3 innings.

In the top of the fourth, the Regals got on the board when short stop Emily Blank showed her eye at the plate and took a walk with the bases loaded to score Mia Onesto. With the bases still loaded, right fielder Regan Laubscher singled and drove in Ariana Mendoza.

After Cal Lutheran narrowed the gap, the Bulldogs responded with a run in the bottom of the fifth and 5 runs in the sixth.

Down 2-9, the Regals comeback began. Courtney Haapanen's pinch hit double brought home pinch runner Genevieve Avalos. Left fielder Mia Onesto singled allowing Madison Gunn to score on a Bulldog throwing error to make the score 4-9.

With the bases loaded and the pressure on, center fielder Ashley Membrere put the ball in play and the Regals took advantage of a bases clearing Bulldog error that allowed Onesto, Membrere, and Makayla Lopez to score.

At 7-9 a pop fly to the short stop ended the inning and the game before Cal Lutheran was able to complete the comeback.

The Regals ended the day with 6 hits including 2 hits each for Mia Onesto and Ashley Membrere.

The weekend series will continue on Saturday when the Regals return home for a double header with the Bulldogs. The first pitch of game 1 will be at 12pm and game 2 is scheduled to begin at 2pm.

Box Score: CLU 7; UR 9
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Release by Steven Lohn, Assistant Sports Information Director