LA MIRADA, Calif.- The No. 11 Concordia University Irvine softball team visited Biola at Freedom Field for another doubleheader. Both games were closely fought, ending in an Eagle split for the day. 
 
"Two great games today," said head coach and athletic director Crystal Rosenthal. "Was hard to lose game one after Thorpe's big time homerun, but proud of our response and look forward to battling tomorrow." 
 
The first game had a thrilling ending. CUI made a comeback in the top of the seventh, snatching the lead thanks to some quality at bats and long balls. Freshman Rylie Rohr and senior McKinsey Thorpe both smacked home runs to give CUI the lead, but Biola ended up winning off a walk off home run. 
 
The second game was also a nail-biter. The score was locked at 1-1 for a majority of the game and resulted in a 2-1 victory for Concordia. Sydney Sprinkle had a home run and scored CUI's second run with a double.
 
Game One: CUI 4, BU 5
 
All-American senior Callie Nunes got the start for game one and was replaced by Erika Morris in the fourth inning.
 
Concordia's offense battled against Biola's ace. BU scored early in the bottom of the first inning and held the lead until the top of the seventh where Concordia rallied to take the lead. 
 
Rohr hit a clutch two-out solo-shot homer which put CUI on the board with their first run. Myka Hughes then cranked a double to left. Megan Massa was able to work her way on base, continuing the inning for the Green and Gold. Thorpe came up next with both runners in scoring position and launched a three-run home run. CUI ended the top of the seventh up 4-2.
 
Biola's offense answered back and ended up securing the win. BU had a walk off homerun in the bottom of the seventh and won the game 5-4.
 
Game Two: CUI  2, BU 1
 
Senior Kelsea Sweeney started game two and had a stellar performance on the mound. Sweeney was effective in the circle, going the distance of the game. She only gave up four hits and did a good job producing outs.  
 
"I didn't have my best stuff today in the circle so I was relying on my defense even more than usual to make plays behind me and they did a great job," stated Sweeney. "It was a team effort today and we worked hard to get that win. We're really excited to play Biola at home and be able to hopefully take two from them tomorrow!"
 
Sprinkle was on fire in the batter's box. She went two for three, with a home run and a double. Sprinkle scored Concordia's first run of the game with her home run over left field and scored their second run off of her double down the left side. On the double she scored Missy Nemeth who doubled prior to her at bat. 
 
CUI will play BU again tomorrow for the final time at Eagles Field. The twin bill is scheduled for 12 and 2 p.m.
 
To view the softball team's full schedule CLICK HERE.