By: Trey Hannula
SMC Athletic Communications
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — On an overcast Friday afternoon, Saint Mary’s split their two games on the opening day of the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic. After falling 5-1 to Illinois in the earlier contest, the Gaels responded with a 2-1 win over Utah Valley to end the day on a high note.
Illinois 5, Saint Mary’s 1
In the first match of the tournament, the Gaels held Illinois at striking distance for the majority of the game before the Fighting Illini pulled away with a three-run fifth inning.