The Oregon State softball team was defeated 3-0 on Saturday morning by the No. 11 University of Tennessee Volunteers, the hosts of the Knoxville regional.

In a game that was competitive the entire way through, a rough fifth inning is what ultimately doomed the Beavers in game 3 of the Knoxville regional.

With zeros on the scoreboard, Tennessee freshman infielder McKenna Gibson launched a double off the top of the left field wall, bringing home freshman outfielder Katie Taylor and giving the Vols a 1-0 advantage.  Later in the same inning, junior outfielder Kiki Milloy launched a two-run shot to left-center, extending Tennessee’s lead to three.

Saturday morning was just the second time this season that Oregon State has been shut out. Senior pitcher Ashley Rogers was magnificent in the circle for the Vols, surrendering just two hits while striking out eight in a complete-game performance.  Rogers also didn’t walk a single batter.

Despite taking the loss, Oregon State senior pitcher Mariah Mazon delivered another great performance in the circle, giving up just four hits and striking out eight in seven innings of work.  At the plate, Oregon State freshman infielder Kaylah Nelsen had both of the Beaver hits, going two for two with a pair of singles.

Despite the loss, Oregon State’s season is not done.  The Beavers will play in an elimination game later today at 2 p.m..  Oregon State’s opponent will be the winner of Ohio State vs Campbell, which starts at 11:30 a.m.