Fullerton, Calif. – The La Sierra University Softball Program traveled to Hope International University (6-0) for their season opener, a doubleheader just under one year since they last competed due to COVID-19 constraints. Unfortunately, the 13th ranked Royals kept their undefeated streak alive, taking two victories from the Golden Eagles, with a game one score of 6-1 and a game two (five innings) score of 9-0.

It was a defensive battle, until the Golden Eagles scored first off the bat of Kaylee Quezada (RBI single) and the smart base running of Brandi Almaraz in the fourth inning. The Royals answered back with a run of their own in the fifth inning, but it was the sixth inning that broke the game wide open, when the Royals saw five of their players cross home plate, bringing the score to 6-1. The Golden Eagles made their last appearance at the plate in the top of the seventh inning, leaving Ashley Ingle on base, unable to score.

In the second game of the day's double header, the Royals took an early 3-0 lead in the first inning. Not easily deterred, the Golden Eagles worked hard to put a string of hits together, but weren't able to find many holes. The Royals continued to dominate at the plate, scoring another run in the second inning and five more runs in the third, ending the game in five innings with a score of 9-0.

Head Coach, Tom Ogle said, "I was very happy how the team played today. They competed with the 13th [ranked] team in the country. Keana Houchin pitched a great six innings. Our defense was very strong. We need to get our bats going and we will be good."

Next up, the Golden Eagles are on the road again against San Diego Christian College, Feb. 26th