SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Biola University's remarkable 2025 softball season came to a close on Friday with a 5-2 loss to Cal State San Marcos in an NCAA Division II Championship elimination game at SFSU Softball Field. Despite the defeat, the Eagles concluded a historic campaign, capturing their first-ever PacWest Conference title, setting multiple offensive records, and securing 39 wins—the third-most in program history.

The Cougars struck early, scoring three runs in the first inning and adding another in the second. Biola's offense was stifled until the sixth inning when they managed to plate two runs, narrowing the deficit. However, CSUSM's pitching held firm, sealing the Eagles' fate.

"I am super proud of my team and all they've accomplished this season," Halte said. "We did not get the outcome we wanted, but I am super proud of their fight and showing the team that they've been. I am proud of their response and fighting back to the very end."

The game marked the final collegiate appearances for seniors Raquel Reyes, Makayla Jordan, and Bridgette Trujillo. Reyes shared her gratitude for her time with the program. "Biola Softball has been such a special place and such a great year for me," she said. "Between the coaches and the players, all who have Christ at the center of their lives. It's been a great experience to play softball from that perspective of playing for Him. I am very grateful for playing at Biola."

Reyes was one of four pitchers to see time in the circle as coach Halte broke out all the stops to slow down a CSU San Marcos offense that dropped nine runs on the host San Francisco State earlier in the day.

Aside from four runs across the first two innings, Reyes and the staff did well to neutralize the CSUSM bats. That was something Coach Halte noted in the postgame press conference as she continued to note how her team left it all out on the field. 

"Today we focused on controlled aggression. We wanted to attack hard and get ahead early. Unfortunately, it did not work out that way but we went all out," Banos said. "Biola Softball is everything to me. It helps me get through my hard days. I can just go to the field and focus on my craft. Being surrounded by sisters in Christ has been amazing."

As the Eagles bid farewell to their seniors, the future remains bright with a young core gaining valuable postseason experience. 

"The three seniors are key players, so that will hurt. But the great thing is the rest of our team is pretty young," said Halte. It's great that they have this experience now. It will serve them well for the future and make them hungry."

That young core was on display even in the losing effort as Banos and Kennadie Tsue, both returning players, scored the two BU runs and all the base runners, save one Reyes walk, were underclassmen.

While the season concluded with a loss, the 2025 Biola Eagles have re-established a standard for the program, leaving a legacy of excellence and faith-driven perseverance.