Kahwaty Lifts Redhawks in WAC Tournament Opener

PHOENIX, Ariz. – Seattle U softball completed a come from behind victory on Friday evening, scoring three runs in the fifth inning to take down California Baptist, 3-1, in its first contest of the University Credit Union Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Tournament. With the win, Seattle U (34-18) advance to take on top-seeded Utah Tech at 1 p.m. on Thursday at GCU Softball Stadium in Phoenix. 

The opening round victory marks the seventh straight game the Redhawks have won. 

Madison Kahwaty came through with the crucial hit to put Seattle U in front by two, smacking a two RBI single up the middle with the bases loaded. Sydney Frankenberger and Mekenzie Madokoro got the fifth inning rally started, hitting back-to-back singles to put runners on with no one out. Lily Garcia advanced the lead runner to third before Olivia Viggiano tied the game at one after she beat out an RBI infield single to the shortstop. Tai Wilson would load the bases for Kahwaty after fouling off four straight pitches for a 10-pitch walk. 

B5 | Maddie is doing it all tonight!

SU 3
CBU 1 pic.twitter.com/vcyoAKb05k

— Seattle U Softball ?? (@seattleusb) May 11, 2023

Stefanie Madrigal and the Redhawks defense were firing on all cylinders from the get go, sitting down the first six Lancers that came to the plate. After allowing a single run in the third, Madrigal sent down the next 12 of 13 Lancers and did not allow a runner to get into scoring position. Madrigal grabs her WAC-leading 17th win of the season in the complete game effort, scattering four hits across the seven innings. The Redhawks defense made a handful of spectacular plays, highlighted by this solo double play from Kahwaty in the fifth to stop all the momentum created by California Baptist. 

T5 | Maddie with the great play to turn two!

SU 0
CBU 1 pic.twitter.com/d6z9YoclTV

— Seattle U Softball ?? (@seattleusb) May 11, 2023

SCORING SUMMARY

• Third Inning: The Lancers scored one run on two hits. 
• Fifth Inning: Olivia Viggiano singled to the shortstop, tying the game at one. Madison Kahwaty singled up the middle for two RBIs to put SU in front. 

The winner of tomorrow's contest will face off with the winner of Grand Canyon and Stephen F. Austin on Friday at 1 p.m., while the losing team will take on UT Arlington at 7 p.m. on Thursday.

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