TURLOCK, Calif. – A five-run fifth inning and another shutdown performance from Kim Nelson lifted Saint Martin's University Softball over No. 2 Humboldt State at the Tournament of Champions.

Humboldt (22-5), ranked second in the nation, got on the board first with a two run home run by right fielder Winona Vigil in the third inning.

The Saints' (12-7) bats were held in the check through the first four innings until lead-off singles from Sabrina Hicks and Corrie Wilson began the fifth. After a sacrifice bunt and fielder's choice left runners on the corners with two, Alyssa Slate drove in the Saints' first run on a double to left center. Next batter, Lindsay Miller, picked up two RBIs on a single to left center. Lauren Diuco reached base on a throwing error by the pitcher that allowed L. Miller to advance to third. Diuco proceeded to steal second to set up Mary Dettling's two RBI single to center and the Saints' 5-2 lead.

Saint Martin's extended their edge in the sixth inning on a RBI double from Nelson, scoring Wilson. In the final inning, the Saints' seventh run was scored in the unusual manner of an illegal pitch, plating Diuco and clinching the 7-2 victory.

Nelson (8-2) earned her team-leading eight victory of the season on a two run, seven hit, three strike out complete game. She faced 27 batters over the course of the game, forcing four fly-outs and 11 ground outs while walking one.  

Dettling led all Saints with two hits and tied with two RBIs with L. Miller. L. Miller, Diuco, Hicks, Wilson, Nelson and Slate accounted for all eight hits and six RBIs.

"Kim Nelson did a great job today against the second ranked team in the country" said head coach Rick Noren. "Our defense played very well and we had some clutch hits from Mary Dettling, Corrie Wilson, Nelson and Lindsay Miller".

Up Next: Saint Martin's faces the host team, California State University Stanislaus, of the Tournament of Champions at 5 p.m. to conclude the first day of the tournament.