SAN JOSE, Calif. -- The University of Maine softball team was defeated by San Jose State, 4-1, on Thursday evening.
 
The Spartans struck first in the bottom of the second inning. With a runner on second base two separate times, San Jose State singled through the right side in back-to-back at bats. They tacked on another run in the bottom half of the third. After three innings in San Jose, Maine trailed 3-0.
 
San Jose State pushed one more across in the bottom of the fifth inning on an error committed by the Black Bears' catcher.
 
After walking earlier in the sixth inning, Grace McGouldrick came around to score on an error committed by the Spartans' infield. It was the only run Maine could score with the bases loaded and no outs.
 
It was the final run of the game, as the Black Bears fell 4-1.
 
Notes:

• Alexandra Gruitch (0-4) went the distance in the single game. The sophomore struck out two and allowed four earned runs.
• Krista Francia tallied two hits in the loss. Katie Jo Moery, Nora Campo, and Jasmine Gray all chipped in with one hit.

Next: The Black Bears are scheduled to return to the diamond Friday, March 17 at Saint Mary's. First pitch in Moraga, California is scheduled for 1:00 pm ET/10:00 am PT.
 
-UMaine-