TURLOCK, Calif. – The Simon Fraser University softball team split a pair of game Saturday at the Tournament of Champions, losing 8-3 to University of Hawaii Hilo but rebounding to beat Notre Dame De Namur 11-3.

Simon Fraser is 3-1 in the Tournament of Champions and the Clan improved their overall record to 21-17.

SFU 3 UHH 8

In game one, Hawaii-Hilo and Simon Fraser were tied 3-3 after four inning but the Vulcans scored two runs in each of the fifth and sixth innings and added an insurance marker in the seventh for the victory.

Senior Rachel Proctor hit a two-run homer to left field to tie the game at 3-3 in the fourth.

"We shot ourselves in both feet and more than once in our first game," said Clan head coach Mike Renney. "We made five infield errors and passed on a chance to get back in the game by loading the bases in the fifth with none out and coming away with nothing."

With the bases loaded in the fifth, senior DH Nicole Ratel lined out, Proctor hit into a fielder's choice that put Taylor Gillis out at home and senior Alex Baylak struck-out swinging.

Simon Fraser pitcher Jessica Goulet was tagged with the loss after coming on in relief of Jessica Tate in the fifth, giving up three hits and four runs.

"Jessica Tate pitched well early but joined the team's self-inflicted defensive lapses by giving up a two RBI double on what was supposed to be a pitch-out," added Renney. "This was just an all-around off performance."

SFU 11 NDNU 1

Simon Fraser broke upon a 1-1 tie with a seven run fourth inning to put away the Argonauts. The fourth inning was highlighted by Ratel blasting a three-run homer to centre field.

Junior Tori Belton went the distance for the Clan scattering seven hits and striking out six to pick up her eighth win of the season.

"We relied on a solid pitching performance from Tori (Belton) to keep us in the game until out bats took over in the fourth," said Renney. "It was great to see the seniors' bats who were all but silent in our first game, come to life.  I was pleased to see us bounce back from a disappointing first game."

The tournament continues tomorrow with SFU scheduled to take on the University of Hawaii Pacific at 9 am followed by a contest against Academy of Art at 11:30 am. The Great Northwest Athletic Conference schedule will resume for the Clan on April 9 when they visit the Concordia Cavaliers in Oregon. The team currently has a 9-9 conference record, fourth in the standings.

Follow the SFU Clan softball team for behind the scenes pictures and more all season long on their official Instagram account @sfu_softball.

--@SFUClan--