Azusa, Calif. - The CUI softball squad put together a complete and dominant weekend performance against Azusa Pacific, sweeping Saturday's doubleheader to finish off the series in convincing fashion. The Golden Eagles controlled every phase of the game across both contests, combining timely hitting, explosive innings, and lockdown pitching to outscore the Cougars 14-1 on the day. From setting the tone early in Game 1 to erupting offensively in Game 2, CUI showcased its depth and consistency, continuing to build momentum as the postseason approaches.
CUI 4, APU 1
Concordia University Irvine opened Saturday's doubleheader with a strong, all-around performance, defeating Azusa Pacific 4-1 at the Cougar Softball Complex and setting the tone for a series sweep.
The Golden Eagles (39-14) wasted no time getting on the board in the first inning. Jessica Im reached and later scored on an RBI single from Veronica Moore, giving CUI an early 1-0 edge. Concordia continued to apply pressure in the third, capitalizing on timely hitting and defensive miscues. Kaliya Yco delivered the biggest swing of the game with a two-run double to right field, scoring Caitlynn Campbell and Moore to extend the lead to 3-0.
CUI added another insurance run in the fifth inning when Serena Velez grounded out to shortstop, bringing home Campbell to make it 4-0. While Azusa Pacific managed to scratch across a run in the bottom half of the inning on a sacrifice fly, that would be all the offense they could muster against the Golden Eagles' pitching staff.
Kacie Gossett (13-7) earned the win with a steady outing, allowing just one run on four hits over 4.1 innings while keeping the Cougars off balance. Kailey Estes was sharp in relief, closing out the final 2.2 innings to secure her third save of the season.
Offensively, Concordia tallied nine hits, with Im, Campbell, and Yco each recording two-hit performances. Yco led the way with two RBIs, while Moore and Velez each drove in a run. The Golden Eagles also played clean defense, committing no errors and limiting Azusa Pacific's opportunities throughout the game.
With the Game 1 victory, Concordia carried momentum into the second contest of the doubleheader, ultimately completing the sweep and capping off a successful series against the Cougars.
CUI 10, APU 0
Concordia University Irvine capped off a dominant Saturday with a commanding 10-0 victory over Azusa Pacific in Game 2 of the doubleheader, securing the series sweep in emphatic fashion.
The Golden Eagles (40-14) wasted little time setting the tone, pushing across a run in each of the first two innings. Jessica Im sparked the offense early and came around to score on an RBI groundout by Morgan Kneubuhler in the first. In the second inning, Maddie Cortez executed a perfect bunt single to bring home Kaliya Yco, giving CUI a 2-0 lead.
From there, Concordia's offense continued to build before breaking the game wide open in the fifth inning. Audrey Robles ignited the surge with a solo home run to left field, and the Golden Eagles followed with a relentless string of quality at-bats. RBI contributions from Yco, Cortez, Noelani Ching, and Im highlighted a five-run frame that stretched the lead to 7-0.
CUI stayed aggressive in the sixth, adding three more runs behind RBI efforts from Yco, Serena Velez, and a sacrifice fly by Kailani Tatro to cap the scoring at 10-0.
At the plate, the Golden Eagles racked up 13 hits, with multiple players contributing to the balanced attack. Robles led the way with a home run and two hits, while Velez, Alyssa Struthers, and Veronica Moore each recorded multi-hit games. Yco and Cortez each drove in two runs, and eight different players scored as Concordia showcased its depth.
In the circle, Jayden Nishi (14-3) delivered a dominant complete-game shutout, allowing just four hits while striking out three and issuing no walks. Nishi was in full control throughout, efficiently navigating six innings and shutting down any potential Azusa Pacific momentum.
The Golden Eagles also flashed solid defense, turning two double plays to back up Nishi's performance and keep the Cougars off the scoreboard.
With the Game 2 win, Concordia completed the doubleheader sweep and a full series sweep of Azusa Pacific, outscoring the Cougars 14-1 on the day. The victory continues the Golden Eagles' strong late-season push as they build momentum heading into the postseason.
NEXT UP:
The Golden Eagles will await their place in the 2026 PacWest Championships, hosted this yeart in La Mirada, California at Biola university.
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