Shoddy defense doomed the Fresno State softball team in its final game at the Capital Classic in Sacramento.

Fresno State committed two errors in Saint Mary's three-run fourth inning and the Gaels held on for a 3-2 victory. The Bulldogs (17-13) finished 2-2 in their final nonconference tournament of the season.

Fresno State reduced Saint Mary's lead with two runs in the fourth, aided by three Gaels errors. But the Bulldogs couldn't get closer despite loading the bases with one out in the bottom of the seventh.

Fresno State cleanup hitter Michelle Solomon went 2 for 3 for her eighth multi-hit game of the season.

Thorn opens season victorious at Madera

The first race of the season at the LoanMart Madera Speedway proved to be a dandy as defending SRL Spears Southwest Tour series champion Derek Thorn won the 151-lap main event while holding off Jim Pettit II on Saturday.

Thorn took the lead on Lap 45, then had Pettit directly behind him for the final 106. Pettit is a threat to Thorn's repeat bid. Thorn set the qualifying track record at 13.94 seconds last season. But Pettit broke the mark at 13.482.

Tony Schmitz, the defending champ in the LunkerDaddy Late Models, also was victorious in the 40-lap main.

Other winners on the night included Donnie Large Jr. (Toyota Sedans), Kenny Smith (SRL S-2 Late Models) and Donny Darter (18 Second Bracket Race).

Aleman Fresno boxer wins amateur bout

Aleman Boxing Fresno's Conrad Rendon, 16, won a unanimous decision over Bakersfield's Brandon Tapia on Saturday in a 113-pound division amateur bout in Lemoore.

Rendon will compete in the U.S. Men's Nationals in the Youth Men 108-pound division.

Fresno rugby wins

Tui Tuifua scored two of the Fresno Rugby Football Club's seven tries in a 37-20 home win against Berkeley in NorCal Division II action Saturday. Fresno RFC, which also won the B-side match, 17-12, improved to 4-3.

Fresno RFC plays its home finale at 1 p.m. Saturday at Todd Beamer Park in northeast Fresno against B.A. Baracus of San Francisco.