TURLOCK, Calif. - Saint Martin's University fell behind early to host team California State Stanislaus and never overcame the deficit in the 4-2 defeat in the second game of the Tournament of Champions.

Stanislaus (16-20) took advantage of two runners on with a two out three run home run from first baseman Katelyn McDonald in the first inning.

Cal State added their fourth and final run of the ball game in the third inning off of a RBI single down the left field foul line, scoring the runner on second. All four of their runs on came with two outs in the inning.

The Saints (12-8) managed to create some pressure on Stanislaus after Kim Nelson singled to center and Sabrina Hicks walked. With two outs, Alyssa Slate singled to load the bases for Lindsay Miller. L. Miller's ball to second proved to be a difference maker as a throwing error scored Hicks and pinch-runner Emily Baca, and cut the lead to 4-2.

Saint Martin's had a runner in scoring position in both the fifth and sixth and the tying run at the plate in the seventh but were unable to find the clutch hit and fell 4-2.

Kim Nelson (8-3) got her second start of the day, after defeating second ranked Humboldt State earlier, and was on the losing end with a six inning, four runs allowed performance. She struck out one and walked only one out the the 28 batters she faced. Lindsay Miller pitched the final inning, allowing one hit and forced three groundballs.

"It continues to be difficult for us to play well for two games in a day" said head coach Rick Noren. "We struggled in our discipline at the plate by watching too many strikes and chasing balls out of the zone. Kim [Nelson] did a great job battling in the circle and at the plate". 

Up Next: The Saints return to action tomorrow in the second day of the Tournament of Champions with a match-up against Cal State Monterey Bay and Cal State East Bay. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. respectively.