HONOLULU, Hawaii - The Mercyhurst softball team competed in day one of the OUTRIGGER classic in Hawaii. The game was close for the first four innings, with the Lakers only behind by one. However, the Vikings went on an eight-run rally in the fifth to hand Mercyhurst their first loss of the trip. 
 
Portland State (4-7) took an early lead in the first inning that started from a single. The runner then advanced to third on a throwing error and another batter hit a sacrifice fly that brought in an unearned run. The Vikings led 1-0 after the first inning.
 
Mercyhurst (0-5) tried to find a way on the scoresheet and prevent any further runs from Portland State. Karlie Kasten had a putout from the outfield while Bailey Cannon allowed just two hits from the circle after the first three innings. 
 
In the fourth frame, Kasten hit a single to shallow left centerfield. She advanced to second from Gabriella DeLuca's ground out. Cannon walked, and the Lakers now had two runners on base with two outs. Jazlynn Sanders, the Laker's fifth batter, was in prime position to try and get an RBI or two. However, the Viking's pitching remained stellar, and Sanders struck out swinging. 
 
The game remained a one-score contest until the fifth inning. Portland State expanded its lead with an eight-run rally. They doubled to start the inning and later scored on a groundout. They then doubled to right field, bringing in another run. A few more hits, a pass ball, and an error brought in the rest of the runs to end the top half of the inning. The Vikings held off the Lakers in the bottom of the fifth by retiring three consecutive batters and won the game, 9-0.  
 
Tomorrow, the Lakers will play Portland State at 6 p.m. and Hawaii at 8:30 p.m.