LOS ANGELES - The Missouri softball team lost a three-run lead in the opening game of the Tigers' super regional against UCLA on Saturday, losing 7-4.
UCLA got on the board first when Delaney Spaulding singled, advanced to third on a groundout and a wild pitch and scored on an Ally Carda single.
Missouri plated four in the top of the third. Natalie Fleming began the scoring with a home run, and Sami Fagan homered after Taylor Gadbois and Emily Crane singled to give the Tigers a 4-1 lead.
Fagan's homer gave her 66 RBI on the year, setting a school record.
The Bruins bounced right back, however, with three two-out hits and a walk to tie the game. UCLA then added on two in the fourth and one in the fifth to hold the lead for good.
Paige Lowary pitched 32/3 innings for Missouri, allowing six earned runs on seven hits and three walks. Tori Finucane pitched the remaining 21/3 innings and allowed one unearned run on a hit and five walks.
Fagan and Corrin Genovese led the Tigers with two hits apiece, and Fagan had three of Missouri's four RBI.
Missouri must win two straight games to stay alive and advance to the Women's College World Series. Game two of the series is at 2 p.m. today, and the rubber game will begin at 5 p.m. if necessary.