TURLOCK, Calif. -- The Sonoma State softball team fell behind 5-0 after four innings of play, a deficit it couldn't overcome late, losing 5-3 to Western Washington in neutral-site action on Thursday afternoon at Warrior Softball Field in Turlock, Calif.  The Seawolves will open play at the Tournament of Champions on Friday with a 17-13 record.  The Vikings improved to 17-16.

Western Washington broke a scoreless tie in the third inning on a sacrifice fly for the 1-0 lead before the Vikings tacked on four more runs in the fourth inning, three of which were unearned due to two Sonoma State errors in the frame, to lead 5-0.

The Seawolves got two runs back in their half of the fourth on a pinch-hit two-RBI single by Mayleen Mazon with the bases loaded to make it 5-2.  Two innings later, Malory Masajlo brought home a run on a fielder's choice to cut the deficit to two runs, and Sonoma threatened for more with the bases loaded.  However, with two outs, WWU was able to induce an inning-ending line out to stop the bleeding.

In its last chance of the contest, SSU got a lead off single by Jena Kaser, but that would be it as the Vikings held on for the 5-3 win to even the season series at 1-1; the Seawolves defeated the Vikings 3-1 in Las Vegas back in February.

Brielle Vidmar (5-1) was tagged with the first loss of her collegiate career, she gave up the five runs (two earned) on three hits and three walks before handing the ball over to Amanda Llerena who allowed no runs and three hits in her three innings of work.

Alee Balanon was perfect offensively, going 3 for 3, reaching base one other time on a hit-by-pitch.  Mazon was 1 for 2 with the two-run single in the fourth.

Sonoma State will play twice on Friday on day one of the Tournament of Champions, hosted by Stanislaus State in Turlock.  The Seawolves will play Academy of Art at 2:00 pm before taking on Hawaii Hilo at 7:00 pm, both games at Pedretti Sports Complex.