TURLOCK, Calif. – Riding a strong performance in the circle from sophomore pitcher Cecilia Lopez (4-3) once more, Academy of Art softball strung together three hits in the sixth inning to eventually triumph over Montana State Billings 3-1 in the conclusion of its play in the Tournament of Champions. A bright and sunny Sunday at Pedretti Sports Complex was made that much more enjoyable when sophomore catcher Lauryn Henderson, All-Tournament Team honoree and the tourney's Batting Champion, added to her clutch hitting throughout the tournament with a two-run double that would be the difference.

The game was a pitcher's duel from the outset. A lone double came for the Yellowjackets in the second inning, but all other batters were retired through the first two frames. Capitalizing on a pair of errors, MSUB used a sacrifice fly to gain a 1-0 advantage in the third, however, any further scoring would wait for the late innings.

From the fourth on, Lopez returned to her stingy ways, allowing just three base runners the rest of the way and all in isolated situations. To Montana State Billings' credit, an ART U hit was not surrendered until the sixth, but three significant swings would occur there.

After junior outfielder Gabi Hirsch walked and stole second, junior utility Dominique Seva'aetasi singled and stole a base to put two runners in scoring position for Henderson's hot bat. She would not disappoint, fighting through six pitches before driving the seventh into the gap in right center field to effectively double home her two teammates and give ART U a 2-1 lead. One batter later, senior infielder Brenna Youngquist sent a ball up the middle to bring Henderson home and add an insurance run.

In an impressive rhythm, Lopez promptly retired the final three Yellowjackets on four pitches, securing the 3-1 victory. In the end, the Fashion Design major would earn her fourth win of the season after one unearned run, three hits, and one walk allowed as well as three strikeouts in 7.0 innings of work.

"Cece went out there with a mindset once again and really showed how effective she can be with her pitches," said head coach Alex Gomez. "The combination of her and Smalls [Alyssa Brundage] is undeniable and I really enjoy seeing how they are growing and succeeding together. Cece threw a gem and stayed strong. We couldn't have asked for more from her."

Finishing the Tournament of Champions with three consecutive wins, the Urban Knights push their overall record to 8-9. Henderson, who hit .625 with eight runs batted in, two homers, two doubles, five runs scored, and three stolen bases, was 1-for-3 in Sunday's contest, adding the two RBIs and a double.

"Lauryn was clutch all weekend for us," said Gomez. "She really embraced the high intensity situations and everyone was pumped that she did it again. As soon as she comes up, the team knows she is going to make something happen and I'm really proud of her performances all weekend."

Coming off an upset of No. 13 Chico State, Montana State Billings falls to 9-19 with Sunday's loss. Allie Hughes went 2-for-2, but just one other Yellowjacket had a hit in the contest. Alyssa Etheridge (4-7), the dueling partner of Lopez, finished with two runs and one hit allowed in 5.1 innings pitched.

Academy of Art next begins a 12-game roadtrip in Hawaii which will feature four games against three PacWest opponents in Chaminade (Apr. 6-7), Hawaii Pacific (Apr. 9-10), and UH Hilo (Apr. 12-13).

"We ended the tournament strong and that's all we could ask for," said Gomez. "The team made adjustments and are continuing to build on this momentum. Going in to Hawaii, it's really nice knowing that we are figuring out who we are and what's going to work for us moving forward."