(Box Scores Not Provided)

REDDING, Calif. - The NCU softball team opened their season on Friday at the Simpson University Tournament, going 1-2 with a key 6-2 victory over the hosts, currently ranked No. 10 in the NAIA. It was the highest ranked opponent that the Beacons have ever defeated.
 
NCU opened the day with an 8-4 loss to Hope International University. The Beacons jumped out to a 4-1 lead, fueled by a two-RBI double by senior Addy Hoskins, but the Royals chipped away to claim the victory. Hoskins went 4-for-4 at the plate with three RBI while Randi Kostner batted 2-for-2 with a pair of runs.

No. 14 Biola University was next and the Eagles walked away with an 8-2 win. Taylor Medley had an RBI double in the game for the Beacons while Parker Bonife and Janieve Boyles each scored a run.

In their final game Bonife hit a two-run homer in the top of the first inning and the Beacons never trailed. Bonife went 2-for-3 with two runs scored and Jill Suratt batted 2-for-4. Boyles had a two-RBI single in the seventh that helped cement the win.  

Katie Walker threw four innings in relief, allowing just one earned run to secure the victory. Boyles came in to pitch the final two innings and grabbed the save, allowing no runs and recording two strikeouts. 

The Simpson tournament will continue on Saturday.