REDDING, Calif.  – The Northwest Christian University softball team went 1-2 again on Saturday, the final day of the Simpson University Invitational, taking place at the Big League Dreams complex. The Beacons were shut out by #11 Azusa Pacific and William Jessup, before beating the hosts.

Azusa Pacific (#11) 6, NCU 0
The Beacons were held to just three hits, singles by Gabby Stover and Addy Hoskins, and a double by Megan Mazanec (pictured). Kalyssa Koontz threw the first six innings for NCU, allowing three runs while striking out five batters. Jenna Royce allowed one earned run in the final inning.

Willam Jessup 8, NCU 0 (6 innings)
Northwest Christian was once again held to just three hits as they suffered their first mercy-rule defeat of the season to the Warriors, who are receiving votes in the NAIA national coaches poll. Stover got a double in the bottom of the first inning and Mazanec added a pair of singles for NCU.

Koontz (0-3) took the loss, allowing the first two runs on four hits over three innings of work.

NCU 6, Simpson 5
Chelsea Hannon hit a bases-loaded walk-off single in the bottom of the seventh inning to give NCU the dramatic win over the Red Hawks. NCU had taken the lead with a three-run sixth inning, only to see Simpson come back to tie the game in the top of the seventh with two runs.

The Beacons bats exploded for 16 hits including a home run by Stover, her third of the season. Dani Gehrke and Hoskins each had three hits for NCU while Mazanec picked up two more.

Royce (2-1) went the distance for the Beacons, allowing five runs (one earned) while striking out four batters.

Stover has opened the season by successful getting hits in each of NCU's six games. Mazanec ended the weekend batting .467 with seven hits.