AZUSA, Calif.---The Biola softball team secured the four-game sweep over Azusa Pacific with their 12–6 win at the Cougar Softball Complex.
Biola jumped out to an early lead in the first inning. Lizzie Byer led off with a single up the middle and Alexa Sheard followed with a walk to put two runners on. After Jackie Ibarra moved both runners into scoring position with a groundout, Lillianna Garcia delivered a two-RBI double to center, bringing home Byer and Sheard to make it 2–0.
The Eagles continued to apply pressure as Mikala Huskey reached on an error, allowing Garcia to score an unearned run (3-0).
The Eagles continued to apply pressure in the second inning. Garcia delivered again, this time with a two-run single that extended Biola's lead to 5–0.
Azusa Pacific responded with two runs in the bottom of the second, but Biola answered in the third as Lizzie Byer came around to score, extending the Eagles' lead to 6–2. The Cougars then rallied in the fourth inning, scoring four runs to even the game at 6–6.
Biola showcased their resilience, coming back with its biggest inning of the game in the fifth. The Eagles erupted for six runs, highlighted by a three-RBI double from Kennadie Tsue and RBI contributions from Byer and Garcia. The offensive outburst gave Biola a commanding 12–6 lead.
In the circle, Biola used a combination of arms to secure the win. Kayla Bousquette started the game, going 3.2 innings and allowing six runs while working through early pressure from the Cougars. Madeline Granados entered in relief during the fourth inning and helped stop the momentum, earning the win. DJ Symons then took over and was dominant down the stretch, tossing three scoreless innings and shutting down Azusa Pacific's offense to secure the 12–6 victory.
Biola finished with 16 hits in the game. Garcia led the way with three hits and five RBIs, while Byer added three hits and three runs scored. Tsue drove in three runs, and multiple Eagles contributed to the balanced offensive effort.
With the victory, the Eagles improved to 24-15 overall and 17-4 in the PacWest Conference. Biola plays next on Saturday, April 4th at 12 and 2:30 p.m. against Vanguard.
