Stockton, Calif. - On the Second Game of the Fresno State Classic, the Pacific softball team dropped an 8-1 decision to No. 16 Minnesota as Golden Gophers pitcher Sara Groenewegen (12-2) tossed a three-hitter, striking out eight Pacific batters.

Minnesota struck first with two runs in the top of the first inning against Pacific starter sophomore Cassidy Gustafson (2-4). Kaitlyn Richardson connected on a home run to straight-away center field while Hannah Granger and Danielle Parlich added a pair of hits to push across a second run in the opening frame.

In the bottom of the inning, junior Sara Anderson singled to lead off the contest but Groenwegen struck out a pair to end any threat of Pacific tying the score in the first. Minnesota added a run in the second before Pacific went to the bullpen summoning freshman Marissa Young to the circle. Young allowed three runs over her 2.2 innings of work, surrendering just two hits.

The Tigers' only run was scored in the bottom of the fourth inning. Freshman Molly Bourne walked and advanced to the third on a pair of wild pitches. Sydney Lahners then roped a Groenwegen pitch into left field, plating her fellow freshman Bourne and cutting the Gophers' advantage  to 6-1.

Minnesota chipped two more unearned runs across in the bottom of the sixth inning against freshman Megan Walters, who pitched the final three frames for the Tigers, striking out two. Junior Nicole Zapotoczny singled to start the seventh as Pacific sent a runner into scoring position, but Groenwegen finished the complete game effort with her eighth strikeout, sending Pacific to defeat.

Pacific will return to action on Saturday, wrapping up its Fresno State Classic slate at 9:00 am against Providence College. Live video and stats links for the contest are available via PacificTigers.com. Be sure to follow @PacificSoftball on Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates on the Pacific Softball program.