KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - The Northwest Christian University softball team found it difficult to score runs this weekend, dropping four games to CCC foes Southern Oregon and Oregon Tech. The Beacons scored just three runs on the weekend.
 
On Friday the Beacons were swept by Southern Oregon, 4-3 and 9-0. After taking a 2-1 lead in the fourth inning of the opener, a two-error bottom of the fifth allowed three unearned runs to come in for the Raiders, who hung on to win by one.
 
Jillyn Suratt threw a strong six-inning complete game, allowing just one earned run while striking out two batters.
 
The Beacons scored three despite getting just two hits in the game, a double from Randi Kostner and a solo home run from Parker Bonife to lead off the fourth inning.
 
NCU got just two hits (Ashlee Cole, Anita Singh singles) in the second game as they dropped a 9-0 decision via run rule in the fifth inning. Starter Katie Walker was unable to get out of the second inning, allowing seven earned runs on five hits. SOU had built an 8-0 lead by the end of the second inning.
 
Things didn't get any better on Saturday as the Beacons traveled to Klamath Falls to take on No. 12 Oregon Tech. Fighting for the CCC title, the Owls shutout NCU twice, 7-0 and 9-0.
 
The Beacons had seven hits in the first game, but were never able to cross the plate. Bonife went 3-for-3 while Kostner batted 2-for-3 with a double and a stolen base. Suratt went the distance, allowing five earned runs in six innings.
 
Just like Friday's night cap, Saturday's second game ended after five innings as well. OIT also built an 8-0 lead after just two innings as starter Janeive Boyles was unable to get out of the second inning after allowing seven earned runs on four hits and five walks.
 
Kostner and Addy Hoskins provided singles for the Beacons only two hits of the game.
 
After completing a suspended game with the College of Idaho on Sunday, the Beacons will return home to play their final six Cascade Conference games.