Sacramento State softball (1-1) split its doubleheader Friday in the So Cal Collegiate Classic in Long Beach, California, after losing a quick shutout to Long Beach State at 8-0, but the women turned around their performance on defense and offense in their second game against Northwestern State University.

Kaitlyn Yerby was dominant in relief Friday afternoon against NSU, as the Hornets claimed their first win of the season in the second game by a final score of 4-2.

The team had issues on defense in their first game, allowing Long Beach State to score four unearned runs off of two throwing errors committed by Sac State in the first inning. In the fourth inning, the 49er’s tacked on three more runs and had a lone run in the third.

Sac State finished with three errors, while Long Beach State recorded zero.

Starting right-handed pitcher Jennifer Hartman threw a complete game, but defensive woes and lack of run support overshadowed her performance. In four innings pitched, she got knocked around by Long Beach State as she gave up six hits and eight runs, but only ceded two earned runs.

The Hornets couldn’t get a hit off of the 49er’s starting right-handed pitcher Christina Clermont. The defending Big West Conference champion’s ace limited the Hornets to only one hit in five complete innings of work.

Second baseman Kayla Papez was the only Sac State player to record a hit as she doubled to left field in the top of the fourth inning, but was left stranded in scoring position.

The other Hornets that reached base were center fielder Shelby Johnston and designated player Kortney Solis. Both drew walks by Clermont.

In Sac State’s second game of the day, relief pitcher Yerby got the win against NSU, allowing only two hits with four strikeouts in 5 1/3 scoreless innings. Yerby came in to relieve pitcher Caitlin Brooks in the top of the second inning, who allowed two earned runs on one hit and five walks.

The game was tied 2-2 until the Hornets scored two runs in the top of the seventh. Jessica Ravetti was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, advancing Johnston from third to take a 3-2 lead.

One more score was added when Paige Castro flied out to right field, driving in Alexis Martinez for the sacrifice fly. It was an improved performance from the Hornets after their first loss in their season opener Friday morning.

The Hornets will play Loyola Marymount University at 9 a.m. on Saturday as they wrap up play in the So Cal Collegiate Classic.