The women's softball team hosted the University of St. Katherine, in Sunday's opening day action. After hanging on to win the first game of the doubleheader, La Sierra dropped a one-run decision in Game 2, as the Firebirds were able to salvage a split. The Golden Eagles will hit the road this next weekend for their first road contests of the season.
Game 1: La Sierra def. USK, 6-5
After scoring four runs in their half of the fifth inning, pushing their lead to 5-1, the Golden Eagles were forced to shut down a late rally by the Firebirds, who pulled to within one run, in the final inning of play.
The team spread their offense around with seven different players accounting for all seven of La Sierra's hits. Only two of the Golden Eagles runs were earned, as Arianna Rivas and Kallie Sorensen each picked up an RBI in the win.
Kirsten Hernandez came in in relief of Megan Dalton, to pick up the victory. Dalton went three complete innings, giving up one run on three hits, while Hernandez surrendered four runs (two earned) on six hits. Mariyah Moronez picked up a save after coming in to get the final two outs of the game.
Game 2: USK def. La Sierra, 4-2
In the second game of the day, the Golden Eagles were forced to play catch-up for the majority of the time, after the Firebirds scored two runs in both the second and third innings. La Sierra pushed across two runs, in the fifth inning, on RBI's by Taylor Ross and Kirstin Mullen, but that would account for all the scoring in the game.
La Sierra tallied a total of nine hits in the game, with three different players finishing with two hits. Arianna Rivas and Ross each finished the game going 2-for-4, while left fielder Jescenda Lopez was 2-for-2 in Game 2.
The Golden Eagles used three pitchers in the second game with Moronez getting the start, and ultimately charged with loss. She went 2 1/3 innings, giving up four runs on seven hits. Keana Houchin pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings giving up three hits, while Dalton pitched the final three innings of the game, giving up no runs and three hits.
The softball team will travel to San Diego Christian College this coming Friday afternoon for their first road test of the season. Friday's doubleheader is scheduled for a 12pm start.
