Sacramento State struck first in the third inning when Nikki Cinque singled, scoring Lindy Winkler from second. The Hornets had a prime chance to add to their lead in the bottom of the fifth inning but came away empty-handed. The team began the inning with a leadoff walk to Winkler and a single from Lesley Mayhorn. A sacrifice bunt from Cinque moved each runner up before Erin Coyne was intentionally walked to load the bases. Jaycee Wood, however, struck out Teri Ann Caoagan and Kayla Williams to end the rally.

Colorado State tied the game in the top of the sixth inning on a single from Jessica Strickland which plated Stephanie Roberts. After setting down the Hornets in order in the bottom of the inning, the Rams broke things open in their final at-bat. Catcher Kerry Farrell began the frame with a single to left and was moved over to second on a sacrifice. Jennifer Gardner then singled to center to place runners on the corners.

Sacramento State momentarily halted the rally when Katie Dean hit a come-backer to Cinque inside the circle. Cinque quickly threw to third where Farrell was caught in a run down before being tagged out for the second out. Stephanie Roberts walked to load the bases before Burtner tripled to right center.

Cinque, who was making her first start as a Hornet, suffered the loss. The junior allowed eight hits and four earned runs while striking out one. Genevieve Kelly earned her second victory of the season after not allowing a run in 1.2 innings of relief.

The Sacramento State offense was paced by Winker and Cinque with two hits apiece. Coyne was walked three times to raise her season total to five in just two games. Roberts, Farrell and Gardner each had two hits for CSU.

The Hornets return to the diamond on Saturday for a pair of games. The team faces Nevada at 9 a.m. and Cal Poly at 7 p.m.