The Best of the West Invitational in Turlock didn’t start as planned for the Chico State softball team as they dropped three straight games to open tournament play Saturday.

The first game was no contest as the Wildcats failed to score against Cal State San Marcos. Cal State San Marcos scored runs in the 3rd, 4th and 5th innings and eventually winning the game 8-0.

The ‘Cats only two hits in the game came off of the bats of Desiree Gonzalez and Sammi Ridgway. The second game turned out to be more competitive.

Playing Cal State Monterey Bay, the Wildcats looked to redeem the earlier loss to Cal State San Marcos, but came up short losing 2-1. Trailing 1-0 in the first, Chico State’s Courtney Brown scored in Kelli Keefe on a fielder’s choice. The tie didn’t last long, as Cal State Monterey Bay scored again in the 3rd inning, which proved to be the game winner.

Alex Molina pitched well for the ‘Cats, earning a complete game and allowing one earned run on six strikeouts.

The final game of the day was more like the first.

Having already gone 0-2 on the day, the Wildcats tried to salvage what they could but to avail. They lost 5-0 to San Francisco State to end the day going 0-3.

The ‘Cats look to end the tournament on strong note Sunday. Their final two games in Turlock are against Holy Names and Dominican.

Angelo Boscacci can be reached at [email protected] or @Boscacci6 on Twitter.