TURLOCK, Calif.--Bailey Gaspar hit a two-run home run in the first inning and her UH Hilo softball team held a 2-0 lead for a pair of innings, but the upset bid ended soon after that against No. 7 nationally ranked Chico State at the Tournament of Championships.

Chico State improved to 22-5 on the season with the win at the Pedretti Softball Complex, while the Vulcans dropped to 14-17. UH Hilo will play later tonight against No. 15 nationally ranked Cal State Monterey Bay.

Gaspar hit her eighth home run of the season over the left field fence to give UHH a 2-0 lead through two innings. But the Wildcats tied the game in the top of the third, and the teams stayed at 2-2 through four innings. 

Freshman pitcher Leah Gonzales was holding her own to that point, tied up with Wildcat pitcher Haley Gilham. Chico State then added the go ahead run in the top of the fifth and added another in the sixth, chasing Gonzales. She left the game after scattering nine hits in 5.1 innings. Cyanne Fernandez pitched the final 2.1 innings without giving up a hit.

The Vulcans struggled on offense after Gaspar's bomb. Cristina Menjivar had a pair of hits in the game, including one in the seventh inning during UHH's last gasp effort, but she was left stranded.

UH Hilo is scheduled to take on the Otters at 7 pm Pacific time.