In their final game of the Capital Classic, the Sacramento State softball team was defeated by Loyola Marymount University by a score of 3-1 today at Shea Stadium.

The loss dropped the Hornets’ overall record to 9-15.

The women had eight hits in the contest but stranded eight runners on base, limiting their chances to score more runs.

“We need to do a better job with runners in scoring position,” said Hornets’ coach Lori Perez. “We didn’t help ourselves not getting those hits and we got to find holes in the defense and score.”

LMU started the top of the first inning by capitalizing on an error by Hornets’ second baseman Zamari Hinton that allowed Stephanie Maciel to score and Stephanie Crist to reach base, giving the Lions a 1-0 lead.

The Hornets had a chance to score in the bottom of the first when they had two runners in scoring position but recorded three straight outs to end the inning.

The women had another chance to score in the bottom of the fourth after Alexa Chattleton and Sasha Margulies hit back-to-back two-out singles, but they were stranded on base after Shelby Johnston grounded out to end the inning.

In the top of the fifth, freshman pitcher Celina Matthias allowed two solo home runs against LMU catcher Courtney Moore and Maciel.

The Hornets would attempt to rally in the bottom of the seventh when Alexis Martinez singled up the middle. Pinch runner Paris Prado was retired at second after Nicole Clark reached on a fielder’s choice. The following batter, Paige Martin, also reached on a fielder’s choice, allowing Hinton to hit with two on and two outs.

Hinton hit an RBI single– her third hit of the game–that scored Clark and advanced Martin to third.

The rally concluded when shortstop Paige Castro grounded out to end the game.

Matthias (4-6) got the loss but pitched an effective game. She allowed four hits and two earned runs with four strikeouts in a complete game.

“I did my best to keep the score low,” Matthias said. “I allowed two home runs and if I had executed my pitches, the score would be different.”

LMU starter Rachael Farrington (8-9) received the win and also pitched a complete game, allowing one earned run with three strikeouts.

On the offensive side, Hinton went 3-for-4 with an RBI and Chattleton went 2-for-3, combing for five hits for the team.

“We struggled and need more timely hits,” Hinton said. “We need to find our pitch instead of hitting the pitch the pitcher wants us to hit.”

This marks the second time Sac State and LMU have played each other this season. On Feb. 7 the Hornets defeated the Lions 4-1 in the So Cal Collegiate Classic.

Sac State opened the tournament with victories against Penn State University and Grand Canyon University, but lost its final three games to close out the tourney with a 2-3 record.

“We started off extremely well,” Perez said. “We have to be more resilient and play all three phases of the game.”

Hinton gave credit to the skill level of the Hornets’ opponents.

“The competition was great,” Hinton said. “All the teams we played this weekend were talented.”

The homestand will continue for the Hornets in a doubleheader against University of Nevada on Wednesday before starting Big Sky Conference play on Friday against Northern Colorado University.