By SARAH RUIZ, staff reporter

The Central Washington University softball team began the second day of the Tournament of Champions in Turlock, Calif., by storm, winning both of their games and advancing to the Silver Bracket semifinal.

The Wildcats finished the third day of the tournament by falling to Hawai Hilo, 4-2, in the semifinal round. Central is now 16-13 overall and 10-6 in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference.

During competition on Saturday, the Wildcats faced off against California State University- Monterey Bay, where they won 2-1. Junior pitcher Maria Gau helped lead the Wildcats to victory with her pitching, and a home run from junior Maikala Galusha that brought in another runner in the top of the fourth.

In the second game, the Wildcat’s played against the Academy of Art, and won 4-3. Sophomore Heidy Wells pitched, crediting her ability to prevent hits held up until the third inning, when the opposing team finally scored. However, Galusha proved to be vital in this game as well, helping to bring points to the home. The final points of the game were scored when Galusha hit freshman Michaela Hazlett home.

The Wildcats finished the tournament with a 4-2 record, while GNAC rival Saint Martin’s finished second place.Central will face off against Northwest Nazarene on April 9 in Nampa, ID, for a doubleheader.