Hayward, Calif. -  The 2025 NCAA Softball Championship opened up with CSU East Bay and Sonoma State battling in Game 1 with the Pioneers winning 3-0 to advance into the winners bracket. Following Game 1,  Concordia and the 2024 National Runner-Up Western Washington competed, resulting in the Golden Eagles falling 8-0 to the Vikings. The Golden Eagles got on base in the first inning, when leadoff hitter Jessica Im and Kayla Rodgers worked back-to-back walks to put immediate pressure on the Vikings.

Kailey Estes came into the circle in the bottom of the third inning and quieted the Vikings' bats with poise. Estes, in particular, brought the energy, striking out two key hitters in the third to strand the bases loaded and slam the door on a big inning. Defensively, Concordia tightened up as the game progressed. Defensively, freshman Kaliya Yco had a diving gem at shortstop to keep the Vikings off of the bases and stop some of their momentum, while Estes continued to dominate on the mound. 

At the plate, Concordia kept battling as Graduate student Kayla Rodgers ripped a double to right center in the sixth, putting himself in scoring position. Caitlynn  Campbell added a solid single in the fifth. Though the offense didn't find the breakthrough in this one, the Golden Eagles were consistently putting the ball in play and making solid contact that unfortunately went right into the gloves as the Vikings.

The Golden Eagles will play tomorrow May 9th at 12:30 pm in an elimination game against the Seawolves from Sonoma State. If CUI advances, they will face the winner of Cal State East Bay and Western Washington directly following the 12:30 game.