Slideshow, courtesy of Jeanne Royce

LA MIRADA, Calif.  – After a dismal offensive showing on Friday, the Northwest Christian University softball team woke up on Saturday, collecting 14 hits. The output wasn't enough, however, in a double-header sweep at the hands of Biola University.

The Eagles took game one, 7-2. Biola had jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning and never looked back. The Beacons were already down 7-0 in the seventh inning when they finally crossed the plate on an RBI double from Laynee Bevans (pictured).

Bevans went 3-for-3 on the day for NCU while Amanda Reiss batted 2-for-3, also punching a double. Kalyssa Koontz (0-7) took the loss for NCU, allowing three earned runs over 4.2 innings of work while striking out two batters.

Biola was led by Cece Luster, batting 3-for-4 with three RBI, two doubles, and two runs scored. Freshman pitcher Sarah Enriquez struck out four batters and allowed four hits in 6.2 innings of work en route to the victory. 

Game two witnessed one of the most bizarre cases of bad luck that you will ever come across. A true battle found the teams tied at 2-2 in the top of the ninth inning. With two out and the potential go-ahead run at third base, Gabby Stover hit a screaming line drive between second and third base. The Biola shortstop booted the ball, deflecting it over her should toward left field, which should have scored the run. However, the ball ricocheted off of the shortstop right into the umpire and back to the shortstop, who threw Stover out at first to end the inning.

Biola went on to seal the win in the bottom of the ninth on a walk-off RBI single by Leslie Larson.

NCU took the early lead in the game on a first-inning RBI double by Stover. With Jenna Royce cruising along in the circle, the Beacons made it a 2-0 score in the fourth inning on back-to-back doubles by Megan Mazanec and Reiss.

Biola, however, finally tied the game in the sixth inning, on a two-out two-run single by Natalie Parker.

Royce (2-5) took the loss despite allowing just two earned runs in the 8.1 inning complete-game. The Beacons collected two hits apiece from Stover and Chelsea Hannon.

Biola collected nine hits, including two from Luster, Larson, and Brooke Madrid. Luster also picked up the victory, allowing two runs on 7.1 innings of work while striking out three batters.

Northwest Christian University (2-12) will look to end their Southern California road trip on a high note on Monday as they travel to face Vanguard University at 1:30 pm.