BELLINGHAM, Wash. - Azusa Pacific took care of business on Friday afternoon, defeating #5 seed Cal State East Bay to avoid elimination in the NCAA West Regional. Katie Korstrom was dominant in the circle and in the box, throwing a two-hit gem and having a 3-for-3 day at the plate, also scoring a run.

How it Happened: The Cougars jumped ahead early when Mia Alvarez led off the game with a walk, followed by a bunt single from Ally Chin. A wild pitch advanced both runners to second and third, and Aly Montesino lifted a fly ball into center field for the sacrifice hit as Alvarez crossed home, giving Azusa Pacific a 1-0 lead. 

Alvarez led off the third inning with her ninth long ball of the year, a shot to left field to extend the Cougars lead to 2-0. Montesino followed her lead in the sixth, leading off the inning once again with a home run to right field, giving the Cougars a 3-0 advantage. 

Azusa Pacific continued their scoring efforts in the sixth when Korstrom collected her third hit of the day followed by another single from Sommer Quinones to put runners at first and second for Sierra Sandoval. Sandoval bounced a grounder to first that advanced Korstrom and Quinones an extra base. Jaelah Burrell then came in to pinch hit and she singled up the middle, scoring two more for the Cougars as they led the Pioneers 5-0 heading into the bottom of the sixth. 

By the Numbers: Azusa Pacific collected nine hits in the game, while Cal State East Bay was held to just two. Montesino and Burrell turned in multi-RBI games and seven different players recorded a hit in the contest. Korstrom earned her 23rd complete game of the season, improving her record to 18-6. This is the Cougars third victory in the NCAA West Regional in the past two years and they took the season series from the Pioneers, winning two out of three games. 

Up Next: Azusa Pacific will make a quick turn around, having a rematch against #1 seed Western Washington in about 30 minutes. First pitch is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. and you can watch HERE.