In 2012, Biola softball went 1-15 in conference play.
In just two conference games in 2013, the Eagles have already matched last year’s conference win total — splitting a two-game series with Vanguard University Tuesday afternoon.
Following weekend losses to William Jessup University and No. 1 ranked California State University, San Marcos, Biola was ready to storm into Golden State Athletic Conference play and establish themselves as a contender within the conference. The Eagles finished last in the conference last year; their best finish in the last few years came in 2008 when the team finished third, going 11-13.
Strong and fast start key to success in conference
The Eagles saw Tuesday as an opportunity to get things going in the right direction for the program.
Going 1-1 is a great place to start.
Starting the first game with a three hit, 7-0 loss is not a great place to start.
The Lions got things going early, scoring three runs in the first inning. They would pick up two more in the fifth and two in the sixth.
Turning things around
The second game appeared to be similar for a while. Vanguard scored one in the third, and the Eagles found themselves consistently shut out by the Lions’ defense.
Biola finally found the spark that they had been looking for: errors by Vanguard. The Eagles scored seven runs in the sixth inning, all of which were unearned. The Lions made five errors over the span of the game, most of which ended up costing them runs.
In the end, Biola walked away on top, 7-1.
Sophomore second baseman Ashley Spadt went 2-3 and freshman third baseman Heather Hall went 2-4. Senior right fielder Chelsea Limm picked up two RBIs.
Sophomore pitcher Sarah Enriquez, who has been solid for the Eagles so far this season, battled back following a seven run first game and gave up just six hits and one run in Biola’s win.
Non-conference games not over yet
Biola will prep to take the field next on today for a doubleheader against William Woods University. First pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m. and 2pm at Freedom Field.
William Woods comes in with a 4-6 overall record. The American Midwest Conference school has had 10 games cancelled during their season so far, but are coming off strong wins against both Cal State San Marcos and Vanguard.
