Turlock, CALIF. -- Dominican University of California (12-15, 9-5) dropped its two opening games of The Tournament of Champions hosted by Stanislaus State in Turlock on Friday. The Penguins fell by a 5-0 score to Saint Martin's University (14-8, 4-2) and 9-1 in six innings to California State University, San Bernardino (19-15, 13-10). 

Game one vs. Saint Martin's

Five hits came of the Dominican bats in the opening game as sophomore Alicia Garcia led with a pair of hits, her first coming in her initial at bat as she reached base in every trip she took to the batters box with her third trip resulting in a walk. Sophomore Melissa Garcia, Freshman Anaballe Burke and senior Kamaleinani Kaleikini also tallied hits in the game. Senior Shelby Keltner was credited with the loss after giving up a trio of runs in two innings of work, striking out three while allowing five hits. Freshmen Jayla Cadena and Taylor Rodriguez combined for five innings of work as Cadena allowed just one run through four innings while also striking out four before Rodriguez came in for the final inning, also allowing one run. 

Dominican put runners in scoring position three times in the matchup, the first time coming in the second inning after Burke hit a two-out singled through the left side before advancing to second base courtesy of a Saint Martin's fielding error. The scoring threat came again in the next inning after the Garcia duo combined for a pair of one-out singles, but a double play would eventually end the inning. Kaleikini tried to orchestrate the scoring in the bottom of the fifth with a leadoff single before advancing to second on a Kate Tobola walk, but another double play ended that threat as Dominican later fell by the 5-0 score. 

Game two vs. Cal State San Bernardino

The Penguins were held to just two hits in game two with the 1-2 punch at the top of the order — freshman Kate Tobola and Melissa Garcia — tallying both. All three freshman pitchers saw action in game two, all giving up a trio of runs despite Rodriguez not being credit with any earned runs against. 

Dominican's lone run came in the top of the third with Tobola starting the party with a leadoff single down the third base line. She then stole second to put herself in scoring position before darting towards second on a Melissa Garcia sacrifice bunt. The throw from the third baseman was off the target, allowing Melissa Garcia to reach safely while Tobola trotted home from the third base to tie the game at one apiece. The Penguins found themselves with runners on in the top of the sixth after freshman Alexis Abalos was hit by a pitch, then advancing to second on a throwing error in the next at-bat. This would be as close as Dominican would come as the game ended abruptly after allowing three runs in the bottom to place San Bernardino ahead by eight, good enough for a 9-1 victory. 

Dominican now looks ahead to tomorrow when it again plays a pair of games, this time against host Stanlslaus State and Chico State.