EUGENE, Ore. – Behind a one-hitter from Alyssa Gayle and eight strikeouts from Sabrina Guerra, the Northwest Christian University softball kicked off conference play with the double header sweep over Northwest University on Friday afternoon. The sweep is the Beacons first of a CCC opponent since the 2016 campaign.
 
GAME ONE: Northwest Christian University 2, Northwest University 0

Gayle kept the Eagles off balance throughout the first game, allowing just one hit while striking out five for the complete game shutout.
 
Jessica Garner went 3-3, scoring the Beacons first run on a sac fly from Tra Kucera. Freshman Kyla Wagner led off the fourth inning with a double to left-center, later coming around to score on a single up the middle from Gayle.
 

GAME TWO: Northwest Christian University 3, Northwest University 2

Guerra went the distance in game two for NCU to earn her first career victory. The freshman fanned eight batters, the highest total for a Beacon since April 24, 2012.
 
Garner singled down the right field line in the third; stealing second and third before being driven in by Ereanna Higbee. She finished the day with three steals, leaving her just three shy of the all-time record of 43 held by Gabby Stover (2011-2014).
 
Kelsey Hansen scored the go-ahead run in the bottom of the third, with Kucera touching home in the fourth on a double off the bat of Wagner.
 
 
The two teams are back at it tomorrow with a pair of games at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.