IRVINE, Calif. — Biola Softball had its toughest matchup yet of this early season on Saturday as BU faced perennial powerhouse Chico State. The Eagles cruised through much of the game behind great pitching and strong defense, but one breakout inning for the Wildcats led to a 6-4 Chico State win.

Freshman Kayla Bousquette had her strongest outing yet, holding the potent Chico State lineup without a single hit through the first four innings.

Biola managed a single run in the top of the first and one more in the top of the third to jump out to a 2-0 lead while seeking to improve to 4-0 with another signature win.

Unfortunately, those thoughts were forced to subside in the bottom of the fifth as a myriad of infield issues created first opportunities for Chico State.

Chico's Laney Berkowitz got things started for the opponents by taking a leadoff walk. Down two runs, the Wildcats turned to small ball to attempt to claw their way back. An attempted sacrifice bunt from the second batter of the inning turned into an infield single when the throw to first base missed her by a half-step.

As Chico continued to lean into the small ball efforts, Biola, which had been in top form defensively to that point, continued to make mental mistakes with some late throws or throws to the incorrect base.

An experienced Wildcats' side seized these opportunities and churned out a six-run inning when all was said and done. They ended up logging five hits in the half-inning before Raylene Robal entered in relief and finally put a stop to things with a strikeout and groundout.

Despite the disappointing blow, Biola showed tremendous resolve as it headed to the bat rack for the top of the sixth. Alexis Lara and Bridgette Trujillo had back-to-back singles with one out in the inning to give Biola a chance to score.

Rilee Ruvalcaba answered the call with a bases-clearing triple that brought BU back within two at 6-4. She was left stranded on third base, and that would prove to be all the offense the Eagles would be able to muster against the Chico State relief core. Ruvalcaba was one of seven runners Biola stranded on base through this one.

Biola outhit Chico 9-5 and had some fantastic plays in the field, particularly from Colby McClinton at shortstop and Roybal in right field. McClinton was also one of three Eagles who had two hits in this one (Alexis Lara, Brie Nowak).

The Eagles will look to bounce back with a win in their final game of the weekend. Biola is scheduled to play Montana State - Billings at 3 p.m. Saturday. Follow the live statistics at https://athletics.biola.edu/sidearmstats/softball/summary.