The #7 University of Redlands softball team (34-11) faced off against the #4 defending Division III National Champion Linfield Wildcats (37-4) in the opening game of the 2008 NCAA Championships and suffered a tough 0-1 loss in eight innings.

The game remained scoreless through regulation with senior pitcher Katie Brnca (Riverside, CA) allowing just three hits in the extra-inning game. Linfield’s Brittany Miller gave up six hits in the win.

Late in the game, Brnca walked four batters, including an intentional walk to the game's second-to-last batter to load up the bases for the force out at home with one out.

Unfortunately, Brnca hit Linfield's next batter in a controversial call at the plate to bring in the winning run.

The loss moves Redlands to the elimination bracket where it will face host Texas-Tyler on Friday at 8 a.m.