SAN DIEGO - The UC Santa Barbara Softball dropped both games on opening game against national competition. The Gauchos held Kentucky at bay for most of the game but the late innings proved to be costly. In game two the Gauchos battled back and forth with Minnesota but a three-run home run would prove to be the difference in the game.

GAME ONE: GAUCHOS 1, WILDCATS 5
After going down 4-0, the Gauchos pushed across their lone run of the game. UC Santa Barbara got on the board thanks to Ainsley Waddell's RBI double with one out. The Gauchos were unable to get any closer, as Kentucky added one run to their tally on the way to a 5-1 final.

Freshman Ainsley Waddell started and took the loss in the circle for UC Santa Barbara. The right-hander went four innings, giving up four runs and striking out two. Freshman Sam Stoll came in relief, pitching two innings, striking out two and giving up one unearned run.

At the plate, the Gauchos were paced by Madelyn McNally, who went 2-for-4 with a double. Waddell furnished a standout performance as well, going 1-for-3 with a double and an RBI.

GAME TWO: GAUCHOS 5, GOPHERS 8
After going down 1-0, the Gauchos got on the board in the second inning. UC Santa Barbara plated two runs when Elicia Acosta left the yard with junior Alexa Sams aboard and the Gauchos took a 2-1 lead.

The Gophers then rallied to score two runs and take a 3-2 lead before the Gauchos got back on the board in the fourth. Santa Barbara picked up two runs when a single from Waddell brought home Lucy Mogan and McNally, which brought the score to 4-3 in favor of the Gauchos.

UC Santa Barbara's lead had evaporated by the time the seventh inning came around and turned into an 8-4 Minnesota advantage. The Gauchos cut that deficit to 8-5 in the final inning but were unable to get any closer.

Senior Camryn Snyder started and took the loss in the circle for UC Santa Barbara. In her season debut Snyder pitched 4.2 innings, striking out three and giving up five. Emily McCoskey made her first appearance in the Blue and Gold pitching the final 2.1 innings.

Junior Elicia Acosta led the way offensively for the Gauchos, going 1-for-4 in the ballgame with a home run and two RBI. Ainsley Waddell continued her hot hitting at the plate going 2-for-4 with two RBI against the Gophers. Madelyn McNally also stayed hot going 2-for-2 for with a walk.

LOOKING AT THE NUMBERS
UC Santa Barbara pitchers limited Kentucky to just 1-for-10 (.100) with runners in scoring position.
Every Gauchos starter reached base safely in the loss to Minnesota.
The Gauchos drew seven walks against Minnesota.
UC Santa Barbara pitchers faced 30 Kentucky hitters in the game, allowing five ground balls and seven fly balls while striking out four.

UP NEXT
The Gauchos will have a quick turnaround as they play another two games tomorrow. Their first game will be at 2 p.m. against Minnesota. Their second game will be against No. 24 San Diego State at 7 p.m. Santa Barbara's game against Minnesota will not be available for viewing, but live stats will be available. The Gauchos game against No. 24 San Diego State will be streamed through the Mountain West Network with live stats also avliable.