Slideshow, courtesy of Jeanne Royce

IRVINE, Calif.  – The Northwest Christian University softball team dropped both ends of a double-header on Friday with Concordia University-Irvine, ranked #8 in the NAIA national coaches' poll. NCU was shutout in both games, losing by mercy rule in each.

The Beacons collected two hits in the first game before losing, 8-0 in five innings. Laynee Bevans and Jazzmyne Villaruel each posted singles in the game. Kalyssa Koontz took the loss, allowing six earned runs on nine hits in 4.2 innings of work. She struck out four batters.

Jennifer Simons grabbed the complete game shutout victory for the Eagles, striking out three batters. CUI totaled nine hits in the game, including two apiece from no. 8 and 9 batters Emily Craig and Alicia Lucatero.

Game two lasted until the sixth inning but with the same result, this time a 9-0 mercy-rule loss. Concordia had twelve hits in the game and starting pitcher Katie Cotta dominated, striking out 14 of the 23 batters she faced allowing just one hit.

Megan Mazanec picked up that hit for the Beacons, a single in the sixth inning to help avoid the no-hitter. Jenna Royce took the loss, allowing nine runs, all earned, while striking out three.

After the games Head Coach Tim Hood said, "Concordia is an awesome team. They are every bit as good as anyone in the country. They play well together and they have incredible pitching."

The Beacons will look to rebound on Saturday as they travel to face Biola University at 12:00 pm.