RICHLAND, Wash. – The Northwest Christian University softball team closed up the preseason schedule this weekend with a five-game slate in the CCC Crossover Tournament, hosted by Eastern Oregon University. The Beacons went 1-4 in the event, closing on a high note with a 12-4 run-rule victory over Walla Walla.
 
While the team results weren't quite where anyone would have liked them to be, a number of individual efforts stood out during the tournament. Freshman Jessica Garner was at the top of the list, hitting .429 in the tournament as she led the team with six hits, five runs and four stolen bases.
 
Senior Parker Fritter had another solid weekend as well, crossing the 100-hit plateau for her career as she went 5-for-12 with three doubles, three runs, and eight RBI.
 
The big win came in the tournament closer, a 12-4 victory over Walla Walla in five innings. Leading 5-4 as they headed into the bottom of the fifth, the Beacons posted seven runs to put the run-rule in place.
 
Senior Taylor Medley got things started with a lead-off double, later scoring on a failed pickoff attempt. Two walks and a Garner bunt single loaded the bases and with one out Ashlee Cole reached on a walk to score Kandace Furlong from third.  A fielder's choice scored another run to make it 8-4.
 
After Kiara Vasquez walked, Kelsey Hansen crushed a three-run double to left center field. The game ended on an error on the next play as Hansen came in to score from second base for the eight-run lead.
 
Breanne Johnson (1-4) picked up her first win of the season, allowing three earned runs over five innings while striking out four batters.
 
The Beacons are scheduled to begin Cascade Collegiate Conference action at home this weekend, playing host to Oregon Tech on Friday and Southern Oregon on Saturday.