ST. GEORGE, Utah – The Cal State Dominguez Hills softball team got one final test against a quality opponent in Dixie State on the final day of the Trailblazers' Courtyard Classic Saturday. Although they battled until the end, the Toros couldn't find any offensive spark and left too many runners on base in their 4-1 setback to the Trailblazers.
 
The Trailblazers (5-1), playing their final season in NCAA Division II and will elevate to Division I next academic year, are the preseason favorites in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.
 
Despite the loss, the Toros own an impressive 7-3 record to start the season as they open both the California Collegiate Athletic Association and the home schedule against the defending conference and West Region champions No. 6 UC San Diego beginning Friday at noon.
 
Both sides gathered nine hits but the Toros were limited to singles. Kendelle Messersmith had two of those hits.
 
Alyssa Olague went 5.1 innings on the pitching circle, striking out four but gave up four runs on a walk and seven hits.
 
The Trailblazers jumped ahead 2-0 in the second inning with a two-run single. The Toros sliced that gap in half in the fifth inning. Messersmith and Kelcy Telles hit back-to-back, one-out singles and advanced a base on a wild pitch. Jessica Lane hit into a fielder's choice that was enough to score in pinch-runner Arlene Martinez from third base.
 
Dixie State would make it 4-1 with a two-run home run in the sixth inning. She would make the Toros strand nine runners in the game.
 
Trailblazer starter Carissa Burgess went from start to finish with six strikeouts.