STOCKTON, Calif. - The Pacific softball team's offense surged in the seventh inning of game three against Southeastern Louisiana, but the push was blocked by the Lady Lions and the Tigers fell 5-3.
 
"It was a tough game to lose, but I thought it was a much better effort from the team," head coach Brian Kolze said. "We came almost all the way back, but probably the most important thing is that they gave themselves opportunities to win. I thought we competed well from the circle and from the plate, unfortunately we didn't win, but I am proud of the fight that we showed."
 
Senior Rian Dirmeyer led the Tigers with three hits and an RBI, while two of the three hits were doubles, which is a new career high for the shortstop. Sophomore Jordan Hayes nearly tied a season-high with 2 RBI and a hit, while junior Emily Budelli did tie a season high with two hits. 
 
Junior Desiree Smith earned the start from the circle for the final game of the series against the Lady Lions. She pitched through 4.1 innings and faced 21 batters. She struck out a season high four batters, while allowing seven hits and four runs. Senior Avery Croxall closed out the final 2.2 innings. She faced 11 batters and struck out one while allowing two hits and a run. 
 
The Tigers entered the bottom of the seventh inning down 5-1 before getting two runners in scoring position with one out. Hayes unleashed a double to left center to draw in junior Nikki Enriquez and Budelli to pull the Tigers within two. With Dirmeyer and Hayes within striking distance to get the game tying runs, Pacific's final two at bats came up short and the Tigers fell 5-3.
 
Pacific returns to action on Tuesday, April 2 at 6 p.m. as the Tigers host UC Davis at Bill Simoni Field for its annual Pride Game.
 
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