AZUSA, Calif. — Azusa Pacific claimed both games of Saturday's doubleheader against Hawai'i Pacific at the Cougar Softball Complex to complete the series sweep, taking the opener 1-0 before run-ruling the Sharks 9-1 in five innings in the finale. Alexus Corona delivered the exclamation point in game two, ripping a walk-off double to end the game early after driving in the lone run in a pitcher's duel in game one.
Game One: Azusa Pacific 1, Hawai'i Pacific 0
After both teams were held scoreless through the early innings, the Cougars broke through with the game's only run.
In the bottom of the 4th, Hannah Tipton singled to center field before advancing home off of an RBI double from Corona for the lone run of the game.
That lone run was enough for the Cougars' pitching staff. Maddy Debs set the tone early to earn the win before Charli Ray Escobedo closed it out in relief and recorded a save, combining to limit Hawai'i Pacific to four hits while stranding six runners.
Corona drove in the only run of the game with 2 hits, while Hannah Tipton and Jocelyn Guzman each added a hit.
Game Two: Azusa Pacific 9, Hawai'i Pacific 1 (5 innings)
Azusa Pacific's offense exploded in game two, and the Cougars ended it in dramatic fashion.
After building a commanding lead through the early innings, Azusa Pacific put the run-rule into effect in the fifth. With runners on, Corona stepped up and delivered the final blow, lacing a walk-off double to bring home the game-ending run and secure the 9–1 victory.
Earlier in the game, the Cougars struck quickly. Julia Doan reached base to start the rally before Tipton sent her home with an RBI single. Corona followed with a hit of her own, and Bella Fraser drove in both Tipton and Corona with a single to right field to put the Cougars up 3-0 after the first inning.
In the bottom of the 2nd, Guzman doubled to right center to get into scoring position before advancing to third on an error. Tipton smacked a ground rule double through center field to send Guzman home, stretching the lead to 4.
Hawai'i Pacific scored its lone run in the fifth inning, but Azusa Pacific answered immediately, putting up 5 runs along with Corona's walk off double.
Tipton led the Cougars with 3 hits and 4 RBI while Corona and Sydney Juarez each had 2 hits. Hailey Burns, Fraser, Debs, and Guzman each collected a single hit. Fraser and Guzman also drove in 2 runners each. In the circle, Ava Hernandez was credited with the win, pitching 4 innings and striking out 8 while Analise Reyes pitched the final frame to preserve the win and earn a save.
Up Next: The Cougars will face rival Biola at the Cougar Softball Complex in the first part of their cornerstone cup rivalry series next Saturday, March 28, at 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM.
