PHOENIX, Ariz. – The Bushnell softball team continued their Arizona road trip on Friday and came away from a double dip with Nelson University with a pair of walk-off losses, falling 6-5 and 8-0.
 
GAME ONE: Nelson 6, Bushnell 5
 
The Beacons squandered a 5-0 lead in the opener, and wasted a strong pitching performance from Sara Martin, who gave up just one earned run before three errors led to the final five runs for the Warriors (3-7).
 
Still leading 5-2 as the game headed to the bottom of the seventh, the Beacons had errors on two of the first four batters. Instead of heading out with the victory, NU took advantage of the extra opportunities with a bases-loaded fielders choice, followed by a three-run walk-off double to steal the win.
 
The Beacons collected 12 hits in the loss with Shyla Mead, Ashlyn Martin (pictured) and Brenna Wilson all collecting multiple hits. For Wilson, her 3-for-3 day at the played was highlighted by a solo home run in the second inning, the second of her Bushnell career.
 
Sara Martin (1-2) finished her complete game with three strikeouts and just one earned run.
 
GAME TWO: Nelson 8, Bushnell 0 (Five Innings)
 
A lack of offense plagued the Beacons (2-4) in the night cap as they managed just four hits. Sara Martin went 2-for-2 with a double to lead the team, but Bushnell was never able to string enough offense together to find the scoreboard as they were shutout for the first time in 2026.
 
Emily Pacheco (0-2) went three innings for the Beacons, allowing five earned runs on four hits while striking out two batters and allowing six walks.
 
UP NEXT: The Beacons head to Surprise, Arizona on Saturday to close out their weekend with a double-header against Ottawa-Arizona. The Spirit are 2-4 on the season, all against Cascade Collegiate Conference opponents. They split a double-header with University of British Columbia on Friday.