La Mirada, Calif - The Concordia University Irvine softball team punched its ticket to the PacWest Championship game on Wednesday afternoon after rallying past Biola University for a 6-3 semifinal victory at Freedom Field. The Golden Eagles improved to 42-14 on the season by overcoming an early deficit with timely hitting, dominant relief pitching and another composed postseason performance against a conference rival.
CUI struck first in the second inning when Serena Velez roped an RBI double into right center to score Kaliya Yco and give the Golden Eagles a 1-0 lead. Biola responded in the fourth inning with three runs, highlighted by a two-run double from Lillianna Garcia, to take a 3-1 advantage and put pressure on the Eagles midway through the contest.
The Golden Eagles answered immediately in the fifth inning with one of their biggest offensive frames of the postseason. Maddie Cortez started the rally with a double before Audrey Robles drove her home with an RBI double down the left field line. Moments later, Jessica Im scored on a passed ball to tie the game at 3-3 before Morgan Kneubuhler delivered the go-ahead RBI single to right field, giving CUI a 4-3 lead.
Once the Eagles reclaimed momentum, the pitching staff took over. After starter Kacie Gossett worked through the first three innings, Kailey Estes entered in relief and delivered four strong innings to earn the win. Estes allowed just two hits across the final four frames while keeping Biola scoreless the rest of the way.
CUI added insurance in the seventh inning when lone senior Caitlynn Campbell came through with a clutch RBI double to right field, scoring Robles and extending the lead to 5-3. Yco followed with an RBI single later in the inning to plate Kneubuhler and cap the scoring at 6-3.
The Golden Eagles finished with 11 hits offensively, led by multi-hit performances from Im, Robles, Kneubuhler and Yco. Robles scored twice and added an RBI double, while Yco reached base three times and drove in a run. Campbell's late RBI double provided another key postseason moment for the veteran outfielder.
With the semifinal win, CUI advanced to the PacWest Championship game and moved one step closer to a conference tournament title. The Golden Eagles will face the Eagles of Biola, tomorrow, May 6th in a 12:00 PM championship game.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL SOFTBALL SCHEDULE
