The Eagles took the field on Thursday for the first time in 12 days and continued their red hot play.  In the double-elimination West Regional, every game is important, but working through the winners portion of the bracket presents the smoothest road to the Super Regionals.  Game one for the Eagles saw freshman phenom Callie Nunes, newly minted PacWest Pitcher and Freshman of the Year, take the mound against a strong Academy of Art team.

Nunes was once again strong.  After giving up hits in each of the first two innings, she buckled down.  Inning after inning, she put up 0's. 

The Eagles jumped out to a lead in the 3^rd inning.  McKinsey Thorpe led off the inning with a double to centerfield, she was then bunted over to third by Sarah Kretschmarr and Ryann Ferguson brought her home on a single to right.

The Eagles threatened to add to their lead in the 4^th, loading the bases with no outs, but Academy of Art pitcher Brooke Lopez worked her way out of the jam.  In the 5^th, the Eagles could no longer be contained.  Kretschmar led off the inning with a single, Ferguson reached on error, Brooke Jackson walked and Amanda Gjertsen doubled in two. 
With a three run lead, Nunes continued to throw strikes and shut down the Urban Knights.  Over the final two innings, she allowed just one runner to reach and left her stranded.  CUI won the critical opening game of the West Regional 3-0. 

Eagle Eye: Gjertsen finished two-for-three with two RBI's.  Kretschmar finished two-for-two.  Nunes pitched another complete game, giving up just three hits and striking out seven.

What's Next: The Eagles return tomorrow to take on the winner of the opening game of the regional, Dixie State University.  First pitch is at 10 am.