Irvine, Calif – Under the hot afternoon sun, the Concordia University Irvine softball team opened its PacWest Conference doubleheader against Chaminade with a hard-fought 6-5 victory on Friday at home.
CUI 6, CUH 5
The Golden Eagles wasted no time getting on the board, plating three runs in the bottom of the first inning. Morgan Kneubuhler delivered an RBI single to score Audrey Robles, and Caitlynn Campbell followed with a two-run home run to give CUI an early 3–0 advantage.
Chaminade responded in the fourth inning with a three-run homer to even the score, but the Golden Eagles answered right back in the fifth. Kaliya Yco sparked the rally by reaching on an error that brought in a run, and Mya Diaz followed with a clutch two-RBI single to push Concordia back in front, 6–3.
In the circle, Kacie Gossett turned in a strong complete-game performance. The right-hander struck out 10 batters while allowing five runs on six hits, earning her 10th win of the season. She worked out of late pressure in the seventh inning, as the Silverswords pushed across two runs, but ultimately shut the door to secure the victory.
Offensively, Kneubuhler led the way with two hits and an RBI, while Campbell drove in two runs with her first-inning blast. Diaz also contributed two RBIs, and Robles added a double as part of Concordia's six-hit effort.
Despite the tight finish, the Golden Eagles played clean defense and capitalized on key opportunities to hold off Chaminade and take Game 1 of the doubleheader.
CUI (30-11) will look to carry that momentum into Game 2 as the Golden Eagles aim for a PacWest sweep.
CUI 1, CUH 0
In a game dominated by pitching, the Golden Eagles capitalized on a key opportunity in the second inning. Caitlynn Campbell sparked the offense with a triple, and Kaliya Yco brought her home with an RBI groundout to give CUI the only run it would need.
From there, it was all about Jayden Nishi in the circle. The right-hander delivered a complete-game shutout, allowing just four hits while striking out five. Nishi stayed in control throughout, working around minimal traffic and keeping the Silverswords off the scoreboard to earn her tenth win of the season.
Campbell, Alyssa Struthers, and Crystal Alatorre each recorded hits for the green and gold. Concordia's defense was sharp behind Nishi, playing error-free softball and preventing Chaminade from building any momentum.
With the win, the Golden Eagles secured the doubleheader sweep and improved to 31-11 overall, continuing their strong run through PacWest play.
NEXT UP:
The Golden Eagles will return to action tomorrow, March 21, for another PacWest Conference doubleheader against Chaminade, with first pitch scheduled for 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.
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