AZUSA, Calif. - Azusa Pacific enjoyed a successful Friday night capturing two victories against Academy of Art. In the first game, the Cougars shook off a slow start offensively and rallied behind a strong outing by Katie Korstrom which led to a 4-0 win. The bats caught fire in the second game as they recorded 15 hits en route to a 9-2 victory. 

Game 1: Azusa Pacific 4, Academy of Art 0

The Cougars offense took some time to get rolling as they missed a few chances early in the game. They were able to get things started in the bottom of the 4th with a Caitlin DeCanio double into right center to lead off the inning. She came around to score with a sacrifice bunt attempt by Aleah Delgado which included a throwing error on the play. The next inning, Azusa Pacific extended their lead to 3-0 with a 2-run homerun by Korstrom over the centerfield fence.

In the bottom of the sixth, Korstrom added another insurance run, lining a single into left to score Bella Fraser, making the lead 4-0 which proved to be enough.

Korstrom had a stellar game both offensively and on the mound as she went 3 for 3 with a homerun and 3 RBI's and recorded nine strikeouts while only surrendering two hits to the Urban Knights.

Game 2: Azusa Pacific 9, Academy of Art 2

After Academy of Art put two runs on the board in the top of the first, Azusa Pacific was able to answer by taking advantage of defensive miscues and putting up a four spot in their half of the inning. . 

With Sommer Quinones and Izzy Rivera on base and one out in the bottom of the first, Korstrom reached on an error which scored Quinones from second. Then, Mia Alvarez knocked in Rivera from third with a bunt single to tie the game at 2-2. DeCanio was the next batter and lined a single through the right side bringing in Korstrom from second and Alvarez also touched home on a throwing error to give Azusa Pacific the lead at 4-2. The Cougars were able to tack on insurance runs over the next few innings, getting RBI's from Alvarez, Quinones, Rivera, and Kinsey Erickson resulting in a final score of 9-2. 

After giving up a triple to Cassandra Mittman that scored two runs in the first inning, Sydnie Sahaar was able to shut the door the rest of the way, pitching all seven innings, only giving up two hits in the victory. 

By the Numbers: The Cougars had a nice day offensively, which was led by Korstrom who went a combined 4-for-7 with a homerun, three RBI's, and three runs scored between the two games. Alvarez went 3-for-8 with two RBI's along with Rivera who went 3-for-5 with an RBI and three runs scored. The pitching staff was able to stifle the Academy of Art lineup, with Korstrom and Sahaar giving up a combined two runs over both games and striking out 13.

POSTGAME INTERVIEW: KATIE KORSTROM & SYDNIE SAHHAR


Up Next: Azusa Pacific will be back in action tomorrow, Mar. 18th with another doubleheader against Academy of Art at the Cougar Softball Complex. First pitch of game one is scheduled for 12:00 p.m.