IRVINE, Calif. - St. Thomas softball fell to defending national champion Concordia - Irvine in the NAIA National Championship Opening Round Monday afternoon in Irvine, Calif.. The Sun Conference Champion Bobcats were led by Amanda Penton and Jessica Matias who combined for STU's lone run.

In the top of the first, Concordia loaded the bases and came up with a two-run single before the Bobcats worked out of the early jam. Starting pitcher Cristina Sacramento was able to tame the Eagles over the next three innings. 

In the bottom of the third, Penton hit an infield single and then used her speed to get to second after the shortstop bobbled the ball. Sasha Horton then moved Penton to third on another hard hit ball to the shortstop. Matias then stepped up and delivered the RBI single to left field.

Heading into the fifth inning, the Bobcats still trailed by just one run. The Eagles extended their lead in the top of the frame with a three-run home run over the left field wall. Trailing by four, the Bobcats put runners on base in the fifth and sixth innings but were not able to get back in the game.

St. Thomas will play again Tuesday, taking on Concordia (Ore.) at 4p.m. EDT/1 p.m. PDT. The NAIA National Championship Opening Round is a double-elimination competition thus each game becomes a mustwin situation for the Bobcats to keep their World Series hopes alive.

Follow the game live on twitter at @stu_athletics or watch via live video stream at: http://client.stretchinternet.com/client/cui.portal