SPRINGFIELD, Ore. – The Bushnell University softball team split with visiting Northwest University to open the weekend, falling 4-2 in game one before posting a 6-2 victory in the second game of the Cascade Collegiate Conference series at Rich Schwab Field.

The Beacons move to 13-27 overall and 9-15 in CCC play, while the Eagles hold a 15-31 overall record and 11-18 mark in conference action.  

Anabel Mendez broke the single season record for doubles in game one with her 14^th of the season.

Game One: Northwest 4, Bushnell 2

The Beacons out-hit the Eagles in the opener but were limited by errors both defensively and on the base path. Madison Steelman and Alyssa Ferreira recorded two hits apiece to lead Bushnell.  

Northwest held a 4-0 lead after scoring a pair of runs in both the first and fifth innings.

Bushnell avoided the shut out after an Elizabeth Betsch single to right field scored Ferreira. Betsch advanced to second on the throw to home and made her way to the plate after a two-base error on the same play.  

Becca Renick (3-10) earned the win for the Eagles, allowing one earned run on seven hits.

Sam Silver tossed seven innings for the Beacons, allowing three earned runs on six hits.

Game Two: Bushnell 6, Northwest 2

Aliyah Kelly (6-12) pitched seven strong innings for Bushnell in the second game, allowing one earned run on six hits. Krystal Akagi, Suzi Krstic and Faith Wayman recorded two hits each, as the Beacons finished with 10 on the game.

Bushnell took an early 1-0 lead in the first on a Mendez infield single off the leg of the pitcher. The Beacons added a run in the second after Braydi Johnson placed a bunt down the first base line and advanced to third on a throwing error that scored Jordan Kuykendall.

The Beacons led 6-1 after a four-run bottom of the third. Steelman and Kuykendall recorded RBI-singles in the frame. Steelman scored on a passed ball and Kuykendall crossed the plate right behind her after an error on the same play.

Bella King took the loss in the circle for the Eagles, allowing three earned runs on eight hits through three innings of work. Renick threw three innings of relief and did not give up a run, allowing just two hits.

Bushnell and Northwest close out the conference series tomorrow at 11 a.m. Anabel Mendez, Braydi Johnson and Jordan Kuykendall will be honored in a Senior Day ceremony before the start of the non-conference game.