LAKE ELSINORE, Calif. – The NCU softball team opened up the 2019 season on the road this week, traveling to the NAIA SoCal Classic, this year taking place in Lake Elsinore at the Rosetta Canyon Sports Park.  
 
The Beacons picked up one win in three games on Friday only to see Saturday's action washed out for the second time in the last three years participating in the tournament.
 
Jess Garner got her senior season off on a strong note, collecting three hits, two RBI and two stolen bases. Sophomore Emma Jegtvig (pictured) impressed in the pitching circle, pitching two games, collecting eight strike outs and allowing just two earned runs in ten innings of work.
 
For her efforts, Jegtvig was named the Cascade Collegiate Conference Pitcher of the Week, earning the award for the first time in her career.
 
GAME ONE: San Diego Christian 7, Northwest Christian 4
 
Jegtvig got the call in the season opener and had a strong performance, allowing one earned run in five innings of work. The Beacons dug themselves into a 3-0 hole early, but got two back in the fifth on a home run from Sabrina Guerra and an RBI triple from Garner.
 
Freshman Shay Shropshire came on in relief and threw two innings as SDCC posted four runs on three hits in the sixth. NCU closed with two more runs in the seventh as Anna Cardwell and Tra Kucera posted RBI singles.
 
GAME TWO: Northwest Christian 8, Ottowa (Ariz.) 0 (5 Innings)
 
Jegtvig took to the circle again in the second game and pitched a gem, posting the first shutout of her career. She allowed just four hits and struck out three as only two runners got as far as third base in the contest. Offensively, the Beacons pounded out six hits including three doubles during a six-run third inning.
 
Alexis Westbrooks had three RBI in the game, including two on a third-inning double.
 
GAME THREE: Hope International 14, Northwest Christian 1 (5 Innings)
 
The Beacons closed the day with a tough run-rule loss to tournament host Hope International. The Royals got to Beacon starter Guerra (0-1) early and often and finished the day having collected 11 hits including a grand slam and five others that went for extra bases. NCU sputtered at the dish with two first-inning singles accounting for all of the team hits.
 
The Beacons are scheduled to be back in action on Sunday, traveling to Portland for a double-header with Lewis and Clark College at 12:00 pm.