SACRAMENTO, Calif. (March 16) -- Miami University's softball team opened up its stint at the Sacramento State Capital Classic with a 13-1, five-inning loss to No. 3 California and a 5-4 loss to Purdue.

California pulled out to a 4-0 lead after three innings, but unleashed nine runs in the top of the fifth inning to up the score, 13-0. Miami was able to put one run on the board when Erin Kucera belted a triple to score Amber Arnold.

In the second game, Purdue opened up a 2-0 lead in the first and took a 3-1 advantage after three complete innings. Miami knotted the game, 3-3 in the top of the fifth, but gave up a run in the bottom of the inning to allow the Boilermakers to regain the edge. Again the RedHawks tied the contest, 4-4, in the top of the sixth, but Purdue answered with a run in the bottom of the inning to take the 5-4 lead. Miami was unable to score in the seventh.

Angie Gerber, Nicki Pelfrey and Jody Kermode each collected two hits apiece for the RedHawks in the second game. Miami left nine runners stranded on base, compared to Purdue's one.

The team returns to action on Friday, March 16, facing Eastern Illinois and Western Kentucky.

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