WAVERLY, Iowa --- Dominican University plated three runs in the top of the sixth inning to put a scare into No. 2-ranked University of Redlands, but ended up on the short end of a 5-3 decision Thursday in the opening game of the 2026 NCAA Division III Softball Championship Waverly Regional at Lynes Field.

The Stars (29-17) will face regional host Wartburg College (31-11) in an elimination contest at 1:30 p.m. with the winner facing either Redlands (39-4) or Illinois Wesleyan University (29-13) at 4 p.m. for a berth in Saturday's regional championship final.

The Bulldogs scored one run in each of the first five innings to build a 5-0 lead. Katlyn Gandara and Natalie Lopez hit solo home runs in the first and fourth innings, respectively. Lopez also drove in the Redlands run in the second, bringing in Maya Holshoe from second base on a single down the right-field line. The Bulldogs' run in the third came off a single to right center off the bat of Jenay Scott that scored Kayla Jackson. Holshoe doubled to left in the fifth to score Scott from first base for the final Redlands run.

Aside from a Paytin Salfi double in the first inning, Dominican was retired in order over the first five innings. The Stars were finally get their offense on track in the sixth, leading off the frame with three straight singles. Sara Cornell singled to right center to lead off the inning, then moved to second on a Kayla Amormino single to left field. Isabella Olmos followed with a single of her own that plated both Cornell and Amormino. Olmos scored two batters later on a Raegyn Davis groundout to cut the defict to two runs at 5-3. Ryley Davis followed with a double to right, but - after a series of defensive changes - Catlynn Griffith was able to strike Emme Slaves out for the final out of the inning.

Redlands loaded the bases in the bottom of the sixth inning, but Dominican was able to get out of the jam without any further damage. The Stars were then retired in order in the seventh inning to end the game.

Olmos led the Stars with a single, an RBI, and a run scored, while Ryley Davis and Salfi each had a double.

Hannah Richards (15-6) took the loss in the circle for Dominican, allowing three runs on seven hits in just 2.1 innings. Rhiannon Rubio pitched the final 3.2 innings in relief, allowing two runs on four hits. Richards and Rubio had one strikeout apiece.

Lopez was one of five Bulldogs to record two hits, tacking on two RBIs and a run scored. Gandara, Scott, Holshoe, and Brooklyn Bard also had two base hits. 

Gandara (19-1) earned the pitching win for Redlands, allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits with a strikeout. Griffith struck out three of the four batters she faces to earn her fourth save of the season.