SURREY, B.C. – The UBC Thunderbirds softball team (7-14, 5-7) earned a split in their Friday doubleheader against the visiting Carroll College Fighting Saints (14-14, 3-7), as they took the first contest 5-4, then proceeded to fall 12-8 in the rematch.

Tied 4-4 in the bottom of the seventh frame, with two outs and two on base, UBC's Hillary Strelau (Richmond, B.C.) stepped to the plate and ripped a single deep to left center, driving in Quinn Dhaliwal (Delta, B.C.) in from second. The score was enough to give the 'Birds the one-run win.

Up 4-0 after three solid innings to open the contest, including a pair of RBIs from pitcher Lindsey Ogilvie (Surrey, B.C.), the 'Birds surrendered four runs in the fourth inning, including a two-run homer off the bat of Fighting Saints second baseman Taylor Ostwald.

Outside of that frame, Ogilvie was excellent on the mound, as she allowed no hits over the final three innings. The third-year ace went the distance in the contest, finishing with a line of seven hits and four runs surrendered.

"I thought we played well in the first game today. We hung around and showed the ability to get a run when we needed it," said UBC head coach Gord Collings. "The long ball has been a problem for us all year, but it's something we're working on, and oither than that, I was pretty pleased with that performance."

Like the first, the second contest was tied going into the final inning, with the two sides knotted up 8-8. In their half of the seventh frame, Carroll unloaded with four runs on four hits. With Ostwald on second, Courtney Cloud delivered a single, which, combined with a T-Birds throwing error, allowed the second baseman to score the go ahead run.

After Cloud was driven in by Tianna Harper, Justine Taylor dropped a deep single to right center, scoring both Harper and T.J. Rucker to round out the scoring.

Prior to the seventh frame, the 'Birds offence had been led by Strelau, who scored three runs and added two hits, and Shayla Kaplen (Richmond, B.C.), who notched a single hit and two RBIs.

Zoe Gillis (Delta, B.C.) (2.2 innings), Emma Tuson (Maple Ridge, B.C.) (2.2), and Ogilvie (1.2) split time in the second contest, giving up five, four, and three runs respectively.

"We weren't good enough –not in the fielding, or pitching," admitted Collings. "We have to get better, more consistent – I'm confident that we will, seeing as we're a very young team. We need to refocus for tomorrow, because I know we can play better than we showed in the second game tonight."

The 'Birds will return to Surrey's Softball City tomorrow, as they take on the Great Falls (Mont.) Argos in doubleheader action that begins at 11 a.m. (PT).