SPRINGFIELD, Ore. – Krystal Akagi finished 6-for-8 at the plate as the Bushnell University softball team closed the home schedule with a Cascade Collegiate Conference series win over Northwest, taking the conference finale, 7-3, before falling in the non-conference contest, 8-3.

Elizabeth Betsch also had a strong day offensively for Bushnell (14-28, 10-15 CCC), going 4-for 6 on the day. Northwest (16-32, 11-19) finished off its season with a win in the finale.

Bushnell celebrated its three seniors between games, Braydi Johnson, Anabel Mendez and Jordan Kuykendall. Here is what Co-Head Coaches Megan Kleist and Jim Patrick said about these seniors:

"Aside from softball and school, Braydi has continuously illustrated what it means to be a class act. Her teammates and coaches will remember her as the kind, genuine role model that she is in her position on the field, her character, and her leadership. Though her time here was brief, her impact will last a lifetime in the heart of our program."

"Anabel's electric energy, her fearless leadership, and her voice will be nearly impossible to replace in the coming seasons, similar to the void in our hearts her absence will create. We are proud of her and wish her the best in wherever this life may take her. She will always have a place to call home here at Bushnell."

"Over the years, we have gotten to know Jordan well enough to tell you that her wise words and caring soul will surely be missed on and off the field next season. While her contributions to the program will be remembered, we hope we have left a lasting impression in her heart for years to come. We want to thank her for her dedication to our university and softball program. We wish her well on her future endeavors."

Game One: Bushnell 7, Northwest 3

Bushnell secured the conference series victory in the opener, highlighted by Akagi's 4-for-4 performance at the plate and a fifth inning home run by Kuykendall. Akagi was a home run short of the cycle.

Every Beacon in the starting lineup recorded a hit. Alyssa Ferreira, Faith Wayman, Kuykendall and Betsch finished with two hits apiece.

The Beacons used a four-run bottom of the third to take a 6-1 lead. Wayman singled up the middle to bring in the first run of the frame before Betsch hit a bases-loaded single to right to bring in two more. Akagi followed with an RBI-single to right center.

The Eagles loaded the bases with no outs in the fifth, but the Beacons allowed just two runs to come across. Aliyah Kelly entered the game with one out in the frame and forced a pair of pop ups to end the threat. Northwest loaded the bases once again in the sixth, but Kelly stranded all three runners.

Sam Silver (7-11) posted the win in the circle for the Beacons, allowing three runs on five hits in 4.1 innings. Kelly got the save, allowing just two hits in 2.2 innings of work.

Becca Rennick pitched all six innings for the Eagles, allowing seven runs on 16 hits.

Game Two: Northwest 8, Bushnell 3

The Eagles took the non-conference game after a five-run top of the fifth. Sydney Maurer (5-7) tossed six innings, allowing two runs on seven hits, and recorded two doubles of her own to finish 2-for-3 at the plate.

Kelly had another strong outing for the Beacons, allowing just one earned run on seven hits. Bushnell committed five errors in the contest.

Madison Steelman hit her first home run of the season in the fourth, a two-run shot over the left field fence. Johnson scored on a double steal in the bottom of the seventh to bring in the final run of the series for the Beacons.

Bushnell remains in the postseason hunt, currently sitting in seventh place with five CCC games to go. The Beacons take on Corban (11-13) for two games on Tuesday, April 26 before finishing off the regular season at Oregon Tech (22-5) on April 29-30.