MOSES LAKE - Haylie VanLathen blasted a 2-run shot, and Halie Bishop and Tressa Radach had two hits each, but their efforts weren't enough to propel Moses Lake softball to a win over visiting University High School Saturday.

The Chiefs dropped the nonleague season opener 8-5 to U-High, but were in the game until the final out was recorded.

"We hung in there real well against a quality opponent," coach Dave Gregory said "It seems like every time we play them they are in playoff mode."

The Titans took a 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning. Moses Lake answered back with 3 runs in the Chiefs half of the frame, two of which were driven in by VanLathen's dinger to right-center field.

VanLathen signed a letter of intent Jan. 27, and accepted a full-ride scholarship to pitch for Community Colleges of Spokane in 2014.

U-High scored 2 runs in the top of the third and 3 in the top of the fourth to go up 6-3. Moses Lake hung 2 runs on the board in the bottom of the fourth to get back in it, 6-5, but went scoreless over the final three innings.

The Titans finished with 8 runs off 12 hits and committed 2 errors in the ball game. The Chiefs scored 5 runs of 9 hits and had 2 errors as well. VanLathen went the distance on the hill and took the loss for Moses Lake.

"Their pitcher adjusted well over the last two innings to shut us down," Gregory said. "This was our first game of the season and we are still trying to figure out the right combination in the field. But I was really proud of the effort the girls gave and I think we'll be fine once the regular season gets underway."

Moses Lake has a tough preseason schedule, which should benefit the team in the long run as they host Lewis and Clark Wednesday, Bellarmine Prep a top 8 team in the state, Friday, then take to the road March 16 to match up with 3A powerhouse Mt. Si and defending 4A state champion Woodinville in back-to-back games at Eastmont High School in East Wenatchee.

The Chiefs open regular season play at Davis March 19.