Fresno, Calif. - In the opening game of the Fresno State Classic, the Pacific Softball team (9-17) powered past South Dakota State (4-8) at the Margie Wright Diamond, registering a 10-0 victory in five innings. The Tigers controlled all facets of the game, making quick work of the Jackrabbits, who suffered a second consecutive run-rule defeat to open tournament play. 

Cassidy Gustafson (2-3), tossed a three-hit shutout to pick up the victory from the circle. Offensively, Toni Santos went 3-3 with 3 RBI while freshman Sydney Lahners powered a 2-run home run as part of a six run frame. In total, the Tigers registered 11 hits over five innings, with multi-run efforts in the second and third innings to break the contest open.

In the top of the first inning, the Tigers plated a run with just one hit against South Dakota State starter Bryana Clark (1-4). Junior Sara Anderson walked to open up the inning before Santos reached on an infield hit to shortstop. A fielder's choice advanced Anderson to third and she came around to score as Nicole Zapotoczny hit a fielder's choice grounder to shortstop that was mishandled for an error.

Gustafson delivered a perfect bottom of the first and Pacific came out swinging in the second. The second inning featured six runs on five hits for Pacific, with Anderson, Santos and Zapotoczny each picking up RBI singles before Lahners deposited a no-doubt home run past the right field fence, capping the frame and making the score 7-0 in favor of the Orange and Black.

After Gustafson worked around a leadoff double from Eifel in the bottom of the second, Pacific continued its hot hitting with three runs on four hits in the top of the third against new Jackrabbits pitcher Ashlyn Bender. Junior Melanie Habib, sophomore Melina Huey and Anderson loaded the bases with three consecutive one-out singles and Habib came in to score on an illegal pitch from Bender for an 8-0 Tigers lead. Santos then singled to center field, picking up two RBI to make the score 10-0.

Gustafson held the Jackrabbits at bay for the rest of the contest, picking up two strikeouts while registering her second shutout of the season.

The Tigers will return to action at 6:30 pm on Thursday against tournament host Fresno State. Live video, audio and stats links for the contest are available via PacificTigers.com Be sure to follow @PacificSoftball on Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates from the Fresno State Classic.