The Benedictine University Mesa softball team earned a split in its doubleheader against La Sierra on Saturday, opening the day with a hard-fought heartbreak before bouncing back with a shutout victory in game two.
Game 1: La Sierra 4, Benedictine Mesa 3
Benedictine Mesa jumped out to an early lead and controlled much of the opener before La Sierra plated four runs in the bottom of the seventh to steal a walk-off victory.
The Redhawks struck first in the top of the first inning as
Annaleia Jenkins and
Shayla Young both worked walks to set the table. With two runners in scoring position,
Alexa Rice delivered a clutch two-out single to center field, driving in both runs and giving BENU a 2–0 advantage.
Benedictine added to its lead in the second inning. After singles from
Chloe Wright and a walk by
Alexandra Lopez, the bases were loaded. Jenkins lifted a sacrifice fly to center field to bring home Wright and extend the lead to 3–0.
From there, Redhawks pitching kept La Sierra off the scoreboard through six innings. La Sierra threatened in the fourth with three hits but left the bases loaded, and Benedictine repeatedly worked out of traffic while maintaining its three-run cushion.
BENU had several chances to add insurance runs throughout the middle innings, putting runners on base in five of the first six frames, but could not capitalize further.
In the bottom of the seventh, La Sierra used a combination of singles, walks, and defensive miscues to rally. An error allowed the first run to score, followed shortly by an RBI single and another run crossing on an error. A final bunt play resulted in the winning run scoring to seal the walk-off and hand Benedictine a 4–3 loss.
Game 2: Benedictine Mesa 1, La Sierra 0
Benedictine Mesa responded immediately in game two with a resilient and composed performance, securing a 1–0 shutout victory behind strong pitching and timely offense.
Neither team scored through the first three innings as both defenses held steady. In the top of the fourth, the Redhawks broke through.
Chloe Wright drew a leadoff walk and was replaced on the bases, eventually moving into scoring position.
Shayla Young came through with a key single to right field, driving in the game's only run.
That lone run proved to be enough as Benedictine's pitching staff kept La Sierra off balance all afternoon. The Eagles threatened early in the first inning with two hits and a walk, but BENU escaped the jam without damage.
From there, the Redhawks' defense was clean and efficient, retiring the side in order in four of the final six innings. La Sierra managed just five hits in the game and never advanced a runner past second base after the opening frame.
