Game 1: LMU 2, Seattle U 0
LMU had the first chance at bat, as Skylar Segura singled to left field with one out, but she was later tagged out on the play, to get the final out and give Seattle U their first chance to score.
The Redhawks left Isabella Geronimo (San Mateo, Calif.) in scoring position to end the first inning, but they were not able to drive in the run, as the score remained 0-0 going into the top of the second.
Taking advantage of scoring opportunities in the top of the second, the Lions drove in two runs, which proved to be decisive. Nicole Clowdus singled up the middle to drive in Stephanie Maciel and Stephanie Crist and put Loyola Marymount ahead, 2-0, heading into the bottom of the second.
The Redhawks left at least one on base in three of the final five innings, with their best chance to score in the bottom of the third. Following a walk, Allegra Wilde (Kennewick, Wash.) advanced to second as Geronimo reached first on a fielder’s choice, but a final strike out left two Redhawks on base to finish the inning.
LMU left runners on base in only one of the final four innings, as there were quick three-and-outs for the Lions in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings.
As neither team was able to add to the score after the top of the second, the final score remained 2-0 in favor of the Lions. LMU narrowly led at the plate, outhitting Seattle U, 4-2. Brittney Lott (Tacoma, Wash.) and Bubba Morrow (Auburn, Wash.) recorded hits for the Redhawks.
In the circle, Sydney Gouveia earned the win, allowing just three hits and walking one batter while striking out 14 in the complete game shutout.
Richelle Ashburn (Post Falls, Idaho) allowed two runs on four hits while walking one and striking out four in the complete game loss.
Game 2: CSUN 6, SU 3
The Matadors took the early lead, scoring five runs in the opening two innings to lead the Redhawks, 5-0. Three runs were scored in the first, including an RBI double by Sydney House and an RBI single by Tanna Bindi, but the Redhawks were able to strand three on base to end the inning and prevent further scoring.
SU leaving no runners on base in the first and second, CSUN took advantage of the lead and added two more runs in the bottom of the second to increase their lead to five, as Korinne Randazzo and Madalyne Handy scored as a result of an error by the SU defense.
The Redhawks got on the board to trail by just three, 5-2, as Wilde scored on a single by Geronimo. Later in the inning, Lisa Maulden (Maple Valley, Wash.) also scored on an error by the Matador infield.
Neither team scoring in the fourth or fifth, and each team leaving one on base to end each inning, each team added a run in the sixth. Lott hit an RBI double to left center to drive in Brianna Guerrero (Buena Park, Calif.) for the Redhawks. For the Matadors, Randazzo scored on an RBI single by Mikayla Thielges to left field.
In the Redhawks’ final chance to score, Wilde reached base on a single through the left side, but she was called out on a later play, and CSUN came away with the win, 6-3.
Cal State Northridge outhit Seattle U, 9-5, with five different Redhawks making contributions at the plate.
In the circle, Mandie Sugita (Rossmoor, Calif.) was handed the loss, allowing all six runs on nine hits while walking four and striking out three in 5 1/3 innings of work. Ashburn pitched the final 2/3 inning, facing two batters.
Notching the win, CSUN’s Mia Pagano allowed three runs and five hits while walking two and striking out four in the complete game effort.
The Redhawks start conference play at UT Arlington on Mar. 22-23, with a doubleheader starting at 2 p.m. PT on Friday Mar. 22 and a single game on Saturday Mar. 23 at 11 a.m. SU returns home for their conference home opener, hosting Texas State, the league’s preseason favorite, on Mar. 29-30.