The University of Redlands softball team headed to Division II Azusa Pacific University for a Thursday night contest under the lights at Cougar Softball Complex. The first game went five innings and resulted in a 0-8 defeat, however, the Maroon and Gray regrouped in between games which led to a much closer game in the nightcap for a 1-3 decision.
APU put up a four-spot in the top of the first inning, forcing Redlands to play catch up from the get-go.
Although the Bulldogs had runners on in the third, fourth, and fifth inning, they could not capitalize on their chances ultimately ending in a shortened, 0-8, game.
In game two, in the top of the second, sophomore catcher Megan Watkins (Beaumont, CA) reached on a fielder's choice and stole second for a runner in scoring position. But two subsequent groundouts left her stranded on base.
Although sophomore starting pitcher Madeline Gonzalez (Colton, CA) gave up a leadoff homer in the bottom of the second, she quickly settled and retired the next three batters in order.
Much like the first game, Redlands gained baserunners in the third, fourth, and fifth inning but could not string together enough hits for a score. The Bulldogs had their best chance in the fifth as sophomore second baseman Kalyn Kershner (Ewa Beach, HI) lined a one-out, double to the left-field wall, and then advanced to third on the next at-bat. But the Cougars managed to get the last out and stymie the Bulldogs' momentum.
Gonzalez continued to put in great work from the circle, getting her team back on offense quickly. She went three up, three down, and recorded her third and final strikeout for the third out in the bottom of the fifth.
APU added two runs in the bottom of the sixth, giving Redlands a little more work to do with time running out.
in the top of the seventh, sophomore center fielder Alexis Campos (Lake Forest, CA) reached on a fielder's choice and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Kershner stepped up to the plate and sent a screamer through the left side. The Bulldogs took advantage of Cougar miscues that sent Kershner all the way to third and plated Campos for a 1-3 score. But APU secured the last two outs before Redlands could complete the comeback resulting in a 1-3 loss.
Kershner led the team with two hits while Watkins and first-year short-stop Collette Allen (Sierra Madre, CA) each swiped a steal.
The Bulldogs (0-4) head to Thousand Oaks on Friday, April 9 for a single game at Cal Lutheran. The team returns to The Field of Dreams for a home-opening doubleheader against the Regals on Saturday, April 10.