PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico -- Lamar University fought hard, but dropped a 2-1 decision to Rutgers Friday night at the Puerto Vallarta College Challenge. 

Senior pitcher Aaliyah Ruiz had another strong outing from the circle, allowing one earned run during a complete game. Ruiz surrendered two runs total on four hits. One of two errors committed by the Cardinals allowed Rutgers to score their first run in the bottom of the first. 

Rutgers (1-2) scored the game-winning run when a Scarlet Knight scored from second base on a sacrifice fly to centerfield in the sixth inning.  

Big Red (1-2) had multiple opportunities to tie the game. The Cardinals seemed to have a two-out rally brewing in the third inning, but two runners were stranded in scoring position. Sophomore outfielder Audry Fleming led off the seventh inning with a single. Fleming eventually scored on a Felixia Hinojosa RBI double to put Lamar University on the board. Rutgers would close out the ballgame stranding Hinojosa on base. 

Senior outfielder Aleka Xayaseng also placed in a notable performance. Xayaseng produced a double in the first inning to place two Cardinals into scoring position. The Call, Texas native also stole her first base of the season, building upon her 10 stolen bases from 2021. 

The Cardinals get one more shot to take down Rutgers Saturday morning. First pitch is scheduled for 10 a.m. Central Time 

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