Biola softball suffered a sound defeat against No. 2 ranked Azusa Pacific University this past Thursday, April 28. The Eagles’ final games of conference play consisted of a doubleheader sweep on the Cougar’s field. APU took the first game with a commanding lead of 11-3 and won the second game 8-5.

Eagles struggle in APU games

Biola started both games with the lead, scoring the first runs. However, they quickly handed the advantage over to the Cougars with poor returns that allowed for a collection of runs scored on defensive errors. A season-worst, seven errors committed by the Eagles gave away the first game with APU earning just four of their 11 runs.

In the earliest game, the Eagles brought home the first two runs of the doubleheader in the top of the first inning. Biola managed another run in the second inning before Asuza seized control of the game. APU tied the score with three runs after the first eight batters of the inning were able to reach base.

In the fourth inning, APU took a commanding lead, scoring six runs with only two hits. The Cougars benefited from three Biola errors taking a decisive 9-3 lead.

The Cougars took advantage of another two errors to earn the run-rule victory, finishing the game early in the bottom of the fifth with a final pair of runs.

The second game started much like the first as the Eagles again went on top early with three runs to give Biola a 3-0 lead.

Azusa countered with their first run in the bottom of the first inning, but Biola immediately responded with another unearned run In the top of the fourth, with the score tied 4-4, the Eagles again fought for the lead with a fifth run that put them back on top. However, the Cougars secured a strong lead in the sixth inning as Biola allowed another defensive error, giving APU three runs and ending the game 8-5 in favor of Azusa.

Starting playoffs in the fourth spot

These final regular-season games put Biola in the fourth spot for the opening round of playoffs during the Golden State Athletic Conference.

On Tuesday, May 3 the Eagles lost 6-1 to Vanguard University in the first round of the playoffs. This loss ended Biola’s season and landed their record at 27-26 on the year.

Freshman CeCe Luster pitched 5.2 innings giving up three runs, though none were earned. Errors proved to be costly for Biola again as they committed six in the game that led to two runs. Biola Managed just three hits in the game and couldn’t mount a consistent offensive attack.