AZUSA, Calif. – Azusa Pacific struggled to slow down Biola's offense, dropping both games of Friday's doubleheader at the Cougar Softball Complex. The Cougars kept things close early in game one before the Eagles pulled away for an 8-2 win. In game two, Biola used a steady offensive push to take an 8-2 victory and complete the day one sweep.
Game One: Biola 8, Azusa Pacific 2
Azusa Pacific struck first, with Caitlin DeCanio launching a solo home run to right-center in the second inning to give the Cougars a 1-0 lead. However, Biola answered with three runs in the third, capitalizing on two doubles.
The Cougars cut into the lead in the fifth when Julia Doan lined an RBI single down the left-field line to bring home Hailey Burns, making it a 5-2 game. But Biola responded in the seventh with a three-run surge, highlighted by another two doubles from the Eagles to put the game out of reach.
Mia Castillo took the loss, allowing five runs on ten hits over five innings, while Ava Hernandez pitched two innings in relief, giving up three runs on four hits.
Game Two: Biola 8, Azusa Pacific 2
The Eagles kept their momentum rolling into game two, striking first with two runs in the second inning. Azusa Pacific responded in the fourth, as Bella Fraser delivered an RBI single to score Doan, cutting the deficit to 3-1.
Biola extended its lead with back-to-back home runs in the fifth. The Cougars struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities, despite recording ten hits in the game. In the seventh, Doan singled and Sierra Sandoval followed with another base hit, setting up Fraser, who drove in a run with a double. However, the late push wasn't enough as Biola closed out the 8-2 win.
Maddy Debs was credited with the loss, surrendering five runs on eight hits through four innings. Analise Reyes and Allie Reese combined for the final three frames, allowing three runs.
Up Next: The Cougars have a quick turnaround as they face the Eagles on their turf tomorrow, March 22 for another doubleheader. First pitch in La Mirada is at 12:00 PM.
Â