PHOENIX — After dropping a two-game sweep against Grand Canyon University on Thursday to kick off the Grand Canyon Kickoff Tournament, the Montana softball team looked to bounce back against the University of the Pacific Tigers on Friday. It looked like the Grizzlies would get their first win of the season for most of the game, but that changed in the final inning as Pacific rallied for a 7-6 win.
The Griz used a strong start to take a 6-2 advantage into the seventh inning, thanks to two runs each from senior outfielders Alex Wardlow and MaKenna McGill and a run a piece from senior catcher Dani Walker and sophomore outfielder Anne Mari Petrino.
But a walk with the bases loaded, followed by a four-run home run by Pacific sophomore infielder Samantha Owen shut the door on the Griz, leading to their 0-3 start.
Griz freshman pitcher Tristin Achenbach took the loss, while senior pitcher Megan Walters earned the win for the Tigers.
The Griz will face Weber State and Oklahoma to close the tournament Saturday morning.
