LONG BEACH, Calif. -- Sophomore Jessica Ravetti was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded and senior Paige Castrofollowed with a sacrifice fly in the seventh inning, propelling Sacramento State to a 4-2 victory over Northwestern State in the second round of the So Cal Collegiate Softball Tournament.

The Hornets, who were playing their second game of the tournament and the season, improved to 1-1 after losing this morning at Long Beach State. Sacramento State will conclude the tourney tomorrow morning when the Hornets play at Loyola Marymount at 9 a.m.

Singles from Sasha Margulies and Alexis Martinez sandwiched around a Nicole Clark sacrifice put runners at first and third with one out in the seventh inning. Demon starting pitcher Micaela Bouvier then hit Paris Prado and Ravetti by pitches to allow the first Hornet run to score. Ravetti was hit on a 1-2 pitch. Castro then followed with her sacrifice fly to score Martinez from third.

Northwestern State did not go quietly in the bottom of the seventh inning, putting runners at second and third with one out before Horent pitcher Kaitlyn Yerby struck out the Demons Nos. 4 and 5 hitters to end the game.

Yerby (1-0) was impressive in relief of Caitlin Brooks, allowing just two hits while striking out four over the final 5.1 innings of the game.

Sacramento State opened the scoring in the first inning after an error allowed Kayla Papez to score. Northwestern State answered with two runs in the second inning after drawing a pair of bases-loaded walks before Yerby was inserted into the game.

The Hornets tied the score in the fourth inning after Ravetti's sacrifice fly scored pinch runner Makenzie Wayadande.

Bouvier (0-1) took the loss, allowing eight hits and four runs (three earned) while issuing two walks in seven innings.

The two teams combined for 21 runners left on base, including 12 for the Hornets.

Seven different Hornets had hits, including Martinez, who was 2-for-2 with a run scored. Northwestern State had just three hits, including Sidney Salmans who went 2-for-2 with an RBI.

After tomorrow morning's game at LMU, the Hornets return to action next week for five games over three days at the Fresno State Tournament. The five games are part of a stretch that will see Sacramento State play each of its first eight games away from home.