TURLOCK, Calif. - The final game of the 2025 Tournament of Champions did not end as the Wildcats had hoped, but with many positives over the non-conference schedule despite the 2-0 loss. 
 
Amelie Valdez started her sixth game for the 'Cats; with her first loss of the season, the junior still managed to retire 6 Penguins at the plate. Valdez surrendered her first two earned runs of the season, pitching a second straight complete game and finishing the tournament with a 0.55 ERA heading into conference play.  
 
A late single from a Dominican batter in the seventh inning gave them the two-run lead, with the 'Cats unable to garner the offensive strength in the bottom of the seventh to steal the win. 
 
Kennedy Gustin was finding her way on base with two hits in three plate appearances, but the 'Cats struggled to push her to scoring positions without a string of hits to follow.  
 
Despite the closing-day loss, the Wildcats had a 3-2 weekend in Turlock, propelling themselves into conference play with a strong 8-2 record. On Friday, they will begin their CCAA campaign at home as they host Cal State Monterey Bay in a four-game series at Wildcat Field.