Sacramento, California – Golden Eagles Triumph Over Warriors
The Concordia University Irvine Golden Eagles showcased their skill in a thrilling extra-inning clash against the Jessup University Warriors, winning 15-11, followed by a solid 5-1 victory to conclude the four-game series.
In the first game, Jessup started strong, scoring four runs in the first two innings, including an inside-the-park home run. The Golden Eagles answered back in the third. Kaliya Yco hit a double for an RBI, and Audrey Robles followed with a groundout that narrowed the gap.
The game’s tide turned in the fourth inning. Morgan Kneubuhler and Kailani Tatro hit back-to-back solo home runs to tie the score. Yco continued her impressive performance, bringing in two more runs with a double, giving Concordia their first lead at 6-4. They extended their lead with more aggressive base running and a sacrifice fly from Riley Bigley.
However, Jessup responded with a six-run inning in the fifth to regain the lead. Yet, Concordia fought back, with Robles hitting an RBI single and Kneubuhler tying the game with a sacrifice fly.
The tension built as both teams stayed scoreless through the seventh to ninth innings, forcing extra innings. In the tenth, the Golden Eagles exploded with five runs. A Jessup error allowed Bigley to score the go-ahead run, followed by another RBI single from Robles. Kneubuhler capped the scoring with a three-run home run, solidifying Concordia’s victory.
Kneubuhler led the way with four hits, including two home runs and five RBIs. Yco went 4-for-4 with three runs and three RBIs, while Tatro added three hits and Mya Diaz contributed two hits and two runs. Overall, Concordia racked up 17 hits.
Kacie Gossett came through in relief, pitching six innings and striking out six, ensuring stability after Jessup’s scoring surge.
In their second game of the day, Concordia concluded the series with another strong performance, defeating Jessup 5-1. Jessup initially took the lead with a run from a wild pitch, but Kneubuhler’s solo home run tied it in the second inning.
The game remained close until the sixth inning, where Kneubuhler hit her second home run, this time a two-run shot. Tatro added an RBI double, putting Concordia ahead 4-1. Jessica Im added further cushion with a solo homer in the seventh.
Paetynn Snobar shined on the mound, pitching a complete game while allowing just two hits and one run, striking out six batters. Kneubuhler again led the offense with two home runs and three RBIs, while Im chipped in with two hits and an RBI.
With this victory, the Golden Eagles improved to 13-5 overall and 3-1 in PacWest play. They closed the series with a mix of resilience and powerful performances, paving the way for future successes.
Analysts suggest that consistent offensive strategies and strong pitching are crucial for continued success. As the season progresses, Concordia’s ability to maintain this momentum will be key in their upcoming matches.
