The University of Redlands softball team headed to Chapman University for a Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) doubleheader on Saturday afternoon. After a close, 0-3, loss in game one, the Bulldogs regrouped for 12 runs in the second game ultimately winning, 12-6.
Chapman jumped on the board early in game one, scoring two on three hits in the bottom of the first. The Bulldogs loaded the bases in the top of the second, but couldn't pull the trigger to bring the runners home.
The Panthers added a single run in the bottom of the fourth to put Redlands in a 0-3 hole midway through the game. And although the Maroon and Gray knocked base hits in the fifth, sixth, and seventh innings, the offense was stopped there, ultimately falling, 0-3 in game one.
After a quick yet restful break, the Bulldogs regrouped for a complete 180, putting up 12 runs on 13 hits to take the second game, 12-6.
The Bulldogs made their presence known in the top of the first, scoring an impressive nine runs on six hits, and two Panther miscues for a nice cushion early in the contest.
After a walk and an error, first-year catcher Rylie Barber (San Ramon, CA) laced an RBI double to left field to score both runners. A single later, sophomore center fielder Kalyn Kershner (Ewa Beach, HI) sent a base hit to right that scored Barber for a 3-0 score. Two more runs scored via a pair of bases-loaded walks. Senior left fielder Tsianina Flores (Corona, CA) and first-year second baseman Collette Allen (Sierra Madre, CA) also added offense for a combined three RBI. Barber rounded out the inning with a single back up the middle for her third RBI in the inning and a 9-0 score.
Chapman attempted to even the tally as they put up four runs on four hits but sophomore pitcher Madeline Gonzalez (Colton, CA) secured the third out for a 9-4 Bulldog advantage after one.
Gonzalez settled down from there, sitting the Panther batters in order in the second inning. However, Chapman tacked on another run in the third for a 9-5 score.
Nonetheless, the Bulldogs got the run, plus one, right back when junior right fielder Kayla Rivas (Whittier, CA) threaded a two-RBI single through the left side to go ahead 11-5.
Barber still wasn't done with her already impressive day as she added her fifth hit and fourth RBI for a 12-5 Redlands lead in the fifth inning.
Chapman made things interesting in the bottom of the seventh with the bases loaded. The home team added a single run but Redlands defense was able to roll up the third out and emerge victorious with a 12-6 win.
The team (10-5, 10-1 SCIAC) returns home on Sunday, May 9, to complete the series against Chapman in a single game at 11 a.m. Tune in early as the Bulldogs celebrate the careers of their seniors in a ceremony starting at 10:30 a.m.