AZUSA, Calif. — Azusa Pacific softball returns to the Cougar Softball Complex this weekend, hosting Hawai'i Pacific for a four-game PacWest series beginning Friday at 4:00 p.m. The series continues with a second doubleheader Saturday at 12:00 p.m.

The Cougars enter the weekend at 15-15 overall (8-8 PacWest), sitting sixth in the conference standings, while Hawai'i Pacific is 4-22 overall (2-16 PacWest) and looking to snap a tough stretch.

SERIES QUICK HITS

• Matchup: Azusa Pacific vs. Hawai'i Pacific

• Dates: March 19–20

• Times: Friday (4:00 p.m. / 6:00 p.m.), Saturday (12:00 p.m. / 2:00 p.m.)

• Location: Cougar Softball Complex (Azusa, Calif.)

• All-Time Series: HPU leads 34-27

• At Home: APU leads 16-11

• Weather: 95°F, hot conditions expected throughout the weekend

LAST TIME OUT

Azusa Pacific split Wednesday's doubleheader with Chaminade, dropping the opener 7-5 before responding with an 11-7 win in Game 2.

Bella Fraser led the charge in the finale with a perfect 4-for-4 performance, while Julia Doan drove in four runs as the Cougars erupted for 11 runs. The split kept APU at .500 in conference play heading into a key weekend series.

PROJECTED PITCHING MATCHUPS

Game 1 (Friday)

• APU: Ava Hernandez

• HPU: Trinity Williams

Game 2 (Friday)

• APU: Allie Reese

• HPU: Angelica Oseguera

Game 3 (Saturday)

• APU: Charli Ray Escobedo

• HPU: Lily Pardini

Game 4 (Saturday)

• APU: Ava Hernandez

• HPU: Trinity Williams

Hernandez leads the Cougars with a 3.64 ERA and a .236 opponent batting average, providing stability at the top of the rotation.

COUGARS TO WATCH

• Julia Doan (UTL)
  Hitting .404 with a team-high 38 hits and 27 RBI, continuing to anchor the offense.

  • Needs 7 hits to reach 100 career hits

  • On pace for a rare 10 HR / 10 SB season

• Hannah Tipton (1B)
  Power bat in the lineup with 4 home runs and a .505 slugging percentage

• Bella Fraser (3B)
  Coming off a 4-hit performance and batting .284, emerging as a consistent run producer

SCOUTING HAWAI'I PACIFIC

Hawai'i Pacific has struggled this season but features several hitters capable of producing offensively.

• The Sharks are hitting .242 as a team, led by Danielle Cote (.323) and Makayla Pagampao (.313)

• HPU's pitching staff holds a 7.26 team ERA, allowing opponents to hit .376

Despite the record, Hawai'i Pacific has shown flashes offensively and will look to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

BY THE NUMBERS

• APU batting average: .270

• HPU batting average: .242

• APU team ERA: 4.50

• HPU team ERA: 7.26