The Benedictine Mesa softball team opened conference play with a tough doubleheader against Embry-Riddle, falling 8-1 in game one and 2-0 in game two.

Game 1: Benedictine Mesa fought hard but came up short in an 8-1 loss. Embry-Riddle took an early lead in the first inning with an RBI triple from L. Salas, followed by a sacrifice fly from A. Sulusi to make it 2-0. The Redhawks responded in the fifth when Gabrielle Perez singled to center field, driving in Faith Hahn to cut the deficit to 2-1. However, the Eagles answered back in the bottom of the inning with an RBI double from A. Romo, extending their lead to 3-1. Embry-Riddle pulled away in the sixth, scoring five runs on key hits, including a two-run single from A. Garcia and another two-RBI double from Romo, securing the win.

Game 2: The Redhawks put up a strong defensive effort but couldn't generate enough offense, dropping a 2-0 battle. The game remained scoreless through five innings before Embry-Riddle broke through in the sixth. J. Bayless singled to left field, scoring L. Salas, followed by a center-field RBI single from K. Myhre that brought in A. Sulusi. Despite solid pitching and defensive play, Benedictine Mesa was unable to rally, resulting in the shutout loss.

Key Players:

• Brandee Ayala: 3 hits, 1 stolen base
• Faith Hahn: 1 hit, 1 run
• Gabrielle Perez: 1 hit, 1 RBI

Looking Ahead: The Redhawks return to action on Wednesday, March 12, as they take on Simpson at home.