AZUSA, Calif. – Azusa Pacific took both games of its doubleheader against Dominican on Thursday, claiming a dramatic walk-off 3-2 victory in game one before dominating game two with an 8-0 shutout at the Cougar Softball Complex.

Game One: Azusa Pacific 3, Dominican 2

A late-game push propelled the Cougars to a narrow win in the opener. Tied at 2-2 heading into the bottom of the seventh, Izzy Rivera sparked the rally, reaching first on a fielder's choice, before stealing second to move into scoring position. Emily Zuniga entered the game to pinch run for Rivera, and a single to center field from Caitlin DeCanio got her to third. With two outs, Sierra Sandoval stepped up and delivered a walk-off RBI single up the middle, sending Zuniga home and securing the victory for the Cougars.

The Cougars grabbed an early lead, after Sandoval hit an RBI single that sent home Sommer Quinones, but the Penguins answered right away in the second to tie the game, before getting the go ahead run in the fourth. In the fifth, Quinones tied the game with a double to score Bella Fraser.

In the circle, Mia Castillo was solid through 6 innings, allowing two runs while striking out six. Reliever Analise Reyes came in for the final three outs, including a strikeout and earned the win.

Game Two: Azusa Pacific 8, Dominican 0

The Cougars set the tone early, scoring twice in the first inning. Quinones led off with a single before Julia Doan struck an RBI double to bring her home. Doan later came around to score on a groundout by Decanio, giving Azusa Pacific a 2-0 lead.

After a few scoreless frames, the Cougars broke the game open in the fifth. Doan reached on a walk and advanced to third on a double from Rivera. Decanio delivered again with an RBI single to bring in Doan. Sandoval followed with a sacrifice fly to score Rivera before Simone Penuelas capped off the inning with a two-run single to center, extending the lead to 6-0.

Azusa Pacific ended things in the sixth, with Doan sparking another rally with a single. Rivera walked, and both runners advanced on a stolen base before Decanio ripped an RBI double to left center. Sandoval finished the scoring with an RBI single, enforcing the run rule at 8-0.

Ava Hernandez was dominant in the circle, throwing a complete-game shutout while allowing just two hits and striking out five over six innings.

Doan led the Cougars at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a double, two runs, and an RBI. Decanio drove in three runs on two hits, while Sandoval and Penuelas each collected a pair of RBIs.

Up Next: The Cougars will remain home to face Biola in the opening games of a Cornerstone Cup rivalry series on Friday, March 21. First pitch of the doubleheader is at 4:00 PM.