DAVIS, Calif. – The UC Davis softball team (3-1) won its third straight contest of the young season, downing Saint Mary's (2-3), 4-1, Sunday afternoon in the NorCal Kickoff at La Rue Field.

For the third straight game, the Aggies put the pressure on early, scoring in the opening frame. Sophomore Anna Dethlefson once again set the tone by turning a hit-by-pitch into a 1-0 lead on a grounder off the bat of junior Sommer Kisling. Sophomore Sarah Starks then promptly added to the lead with a two-run shot over the wall in left.

After the Aggies added another run in the third on a throwing error, the Gaels put their first and only run on the board on an error in the sixth. Freshman Mia Hildebrand then closed the door on Saint Mary's, earning her first career save. The newcomer allowed one hit in 1.2 innings of relief.

In her first start on the season, sophomore Sarah Reineman earned the win. The Red Bluff native allowed one unearned run on three hits and struck out one in 5.1 innings.

The Aggies needed only three hits to score the four runs as Kisling batted 1-for-2 with an RBI and two runs. Starks had the big two-run home run to go 1-for-2 on the day while sophomore Libby McMahan collected the other hit.

UC Davis will head to Fresno State for a three-game set. The series will begin with a twin-bill on Saturday, Feb. 19.