LA MIRADA --- The BU squad is locked and loaded as they head into their first game of the season on Saturday, January 29 at 12:00 pm. The Eagles are all set to make a comeback as they came up just one game short of winning the NCAA Division II National Championship in Denver, Colorado this past May. 

The 2022 Biola Softball schedule features 32 PacWest Conference games starting Friday, February 25. The season as a whole encompasses a total of 45 games. Biola looks forward to the challenge of opponents Chico State, Sonoma State, San Francisco State, and CSU Monterey Bay, while also playing outside of the PacWest Southern California Pod, as they did in the 2021 season.

A new season means new beginnings for the Biola Softball team as they welcome first year Head Coach Kristin Halte. A Biola softball alumna and former pitching coach is now the head coach for BU. "What I am most excited about in this new role is to continue to use the game of softball to teach these young women about the character of God. Biola softball has had such great women of God leading this program. I'm honored and excited to continue leading this program that can leave such a lasting impact on your life," Head Coach Kristin Halte mentioned.

In 2021, the Eagles made history within the Biola softball program, beating Concordia to earn the NCAA DII West Regional Crown and finishing in second at the NCAA DII National Tournament. The 2022 season will commence with a scrimmage against Hope International. 

"I'm extremely thrilled for this upcoming season as I believe we have a very talented and united team," said Halte. The fab four of gifted freshmen Bridgette Trujillo, Hailey Paull, Kaylee Hall, and Kendall Hall are ambitious and enthusiastic to start their career as Eagles. 

With Halte's counsel, Paige Austin, who has been coached by Halte for three seasons now, led the PacWest with an earned-run-average of 1.25 and a career-high of 175 strikeouts. In addition, the senior pitched 31.2 consecutive innings without allowing an earned run at the NCAA Division II Championship.

As Austin approaches her final season as a Biola Eagle and continues to make her mark on the program, coach Halte is "excited to see Paige continue her dominance in the circle. Paige has really stepped up and has led not only in the field but in the locker room." 

The 2022 Biola Softball team is ready to rise to the challenge, come out hungry,  and stay connected despite change. The team is set to overcome any adversity this season may present and continue setting the standard of Biola Softball, while playing for Him. 

"We understand that we come in this season with a target on our back. I believe we have prepared our team to understand that we have to show up everyday with our best. Every team now wants to beat us," stated Halte.

Biola Softball will throw its first pitch on Saturday, January 29 for the first home game of the season at 12:00 pm at Freedom Field, before they compete in the Concordia Kickoff Classic starting Thursday, February 3.  For live stats links and updates check athletics.biola.edu.