LONG BEACH, Calif. – The Utah Valley University softball team fell to Cal State Fullerton, 9-2, at Long Beach State's 49er Softball Complex on Friday morning as part of the Long Beach Louisville Slugger Invitational.
 
Trailing 4-0 in the sixth, the Wolverines (4-19) managed to pull with two at 4-2 thanks to a two-run double from Brittney Vansway. With just one out and two runners in scoring position, UVU looked for more but CSF (14-8) reliever Desiree Ybarra managed to retire both Kristy Snyder and Dana De La Torre to end the threat.
 
Cal State Fullerton then answered with five more runs in the bottom of the frame, including three unearned ones, to put the game away.
 
Brianna Gatlin led UVU from the leadoff spot in the ballgame by going 2-for-4 while Vansway finished 1-for-3 with her two-RBI double in the sixth.
 
Makayla Shadle (1-2) was tagged with the loss after allowing four runs in an inning of relief, while Fullerton's Sydney Golden picked up the win to improve to 8-2 on the season.
 
With the game still scoreless in the last of the fourth, the Titans got things going with a four-run fourth to take a 4-0 advantage. Sydney Colenzo and Shianne Brannan each delivered RBI hits in the frame while Samantha Vandiver capped the scoring with a sacrifice fly.
 
The Wolverines will continue play at the Louisville Slugger Invite on Friday afternoon against Iowa State of the Big 12 Conference. The contest is set for 2 p.m. MT/1 p.m. PT at LBSU's 49er Softball Complex. UVU will then conclude the weekend tournament on Saturday against No. 14 UCLA at Mayfair Park noon MT/11 a.m. PT.