IRVINE, Calif. – The Eagles improved to 4-0 at the Concordia Kickoff Classic with strong pitching performances across the board on Saturday against Western Washington and No. 21 Colorado Mesa.
On the second full day of the tournament featuring 21 teams at nearby Great Park, three Eagles combined to throw 14 innings and extend their team's winning streak to four games.
The Green and Gold also capitalized with multiple opportunities at the plate. CUI was led by
Missy Nemeth who uncorked a huge double in each game to help the cause.
Game 1: No. 10 CUI 7, Western Washington 0
The Eagles backed up starting pitcher
Rae Flores and reliever
Madison Urrutia with sound defense on the diamond, teaming up to hold the pesky Vikings to just two hits in their afternoon matinee.
Flores was able to skirt around five walks to effectively maneuver through five frames. Urrutia spelled relief with four punch outs in two scoreless innings to wrap up the win.
This game marked the second straight shutout for Concordia in less than 24 hours. The Eagles were coming off
a hard-fought win over Cal State San Bernardino on Friday evening after beating Northwest Nazarene in their season opener.
The Eagles received offensive help from freshman
Kayla Simpson who knocked in the second run of the day in that first inning.
Erika Morris and
Michalah Robison both supplied a RBI single as well to give CUI some extra cushion.
Game 2: No. 10 CUI 5, No. 21 Colorado Mesa 3
Katlin Entrup pitched a complete game and struck out seven in her seven innings of work. She allowed three earned runs on six hits against the Mavericks.
The Eagles benefited from some sharp hitting at the plate from first baseman
Missy Nemeth and outfielder
Lauren Lopez. Nemeth launched a rocket to the left field fence for a bases-clearing three-run double in the bottom of the fourth. That play put CUI in front and the Mavericks were unable to reclaim the lead after that against Entrup.
CLICK HERE for the Updated Tournament Standings of the Concordia Kickoff Classic
CUI will face perennial power and defending tournament champ Chico State on Sunday at 9 a.m.
Both teams enter this showdown 4-0 on the week with a chance to clinch the title of Tournament Champions with one more victory. Chico State should join Concordia in the NFCA DII Top 25 rankings once the next poll comes out regardless of Sunday's outcome.
Tickets for a day pass are still available to check out the action in person.
CLICK HERE to BUY TICKETS
The CUI vs Chico State game will also be live streamed for free with live stats online at cuieagles.com/live
For the full CUI softball schedule CLICK HERE
