Two innings left in the last home game of season and Biola’s 4-0 lead was in jeopardy with the bases loaded by San Diego Christian College. Freshman pitcher Kalie Chavez took the mound, hoping to bring her team out of this hole. After two runners scored, the Eagles finished the inning with the lead, resulting in a 4-2 win for Biola and keeping the Eagles’ long-shot postseason hopes alive.

“It was super emotional but it was awesome because I felt like all of us were really passionate about winning today,” said Ilana Morales, senior second baseman. “Even if we didn’t get a win, I mean obviously we want to win, but I just wanted our team to go out with a fight and know that they gave it their all.”  

THE LAST FOUR GAMES

After getting swept by William Jessup University on April 15, and Menlo College on April 16, the Eagles faced their last four games of the regular season with growing despair. The team needed to win at least three of the four to resist mathematical elimination from the Golden State Athletic Conference Tournament.

The situation turned even more bleak after the Eagles dropped the first game against San Diego Christian College on April 19. After giving up a single run in both the second and third inning, Biola faced a 0-2 deficit in the bottom of the second. Freshman outfielder Karen Lieng opened the inning with a double to right-center and advanced to third on a groundout by freshman shortstop Andi Hormel. Lieng eventually scored off the bat of sophomore first baseman Selina Sherlin, who hit a double to right field. The Eagles trailed 1-2.

WITHIN ONE

Biola held within one of the Hawks for a majority of the game. In the top of the final inning, San Diego extended their lead to four with two RBI singles and an error by the Eagles. Biola was not able to answer in the bottom of the seventh, resulting in a 5-1 Hawk win.

“We just tried to keep our heads up and realize that we can stay confident and just attack,” Morales said. “Because we were in it the first game, we just lost it in the end. We knew we could do it.”

EARLY ON THE BOARD

Biola’s confidence worked to their advantage as they got on the board early with an RBI double by senior third baseman Heather Hall. The Eagles added to the lead with an RBI single by Lieng in the fourth, followed by a two RBI double by Andi. Biola held on to the lead even after the Hawks loaded the bases in the top of the sixth. The Eagles won their last home game of the season 4-2.

The last two games are a must-win for the Eagles if they want any chance of entering the GSAC Tournament. Biola will face Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, Calif. on April 25. The Eagles beat the Lions twice at home on March 22.