TUCSON, Ariz. — California Lutheran University softball started the day with a convincing 18-6 win over Viterbo in extra innings and then came up just short and fell 5-4 to Dakota St. on Tuesday afternoon. 

It was the second doubleheader in as many days for the Regals. They also have a doubleheader tomorrow versus Dickinson. 

The Cal Lutheran Regals jumped all over the Viterbo V-Hawks in the first game of the day. The Purple and Gold scored nine runs in the first inning to take a commanding lead. They tacked on five runs in the second and three in the third to finish off the V-Hawks in five innings.

Makayla Lopez led the way and was one of seven Regals with a RBI.  Lopez had a game-high four RBI, Mia Onesto had three and Ashley Membrere and Emily Blank both had two. Onesto, Ariana Mendoza and Emily Blank all recorded a double. 

Mia Garcia was in the circle and picked up third win of the season. She pitched all five innings and struck out two. She gave up just two earned runs on 10 hits. 

In the second game, the Regals faced some adversity, and were up to the challenge. Cal Lutheran took the lead in the bottom of the first, but the Trojans scored two runs in both the second and third innings. 

The got one run back in the bottom of the fourth to cut the deficit in half with a RBI single from Garcia. The Trojans got the run back in the top of the fifth. 

The Regals inched closer over the next two innings. Hanna Booth singled in a run in the fifth. Garcia cut the lead to one as she homered to center in the bottom of the sixth. The Trojans held on and gave Cal Lutheran their first loss in Arizona. 

The Regals play a doubleheader tomorrow against Dicksinson with the first game starting at 10 a.m.

Box Score: CLU 18, VU 6 (5 Inns.); DSU 5, CLU 4
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Release by Ryan Jorgenson, Sports Information Director