COSTA MESA -- It was a perfect senior day for Vanguard softball on Friday as the team bested Azusa Pacific University in both games to open the Pacific West Conference series between the two programs. The Lions won 1-0 and 3-2 with senior-heavy lineups to make it six wins in a row with just two games left on the schedule. VU improved to 24-28 overall and 19-17 in PacWest play, while APU dropped to 27-22, 21-15.
What Happened? The new leader in all-time appearances and complete games in VU softball history,
Brianna Williams, served up one final gem at home to end her time on the VU softball field with a flourish. She fanned three hitters, did not issue a walk, and gave up three singles and a double in her complete-game victory. Only two Cougars reached second base, but the Blue and Gold got out of those situations to deny APU any further advancement. Williams flashed the glove as well from the circle, helping to turn a 1-6-3 double play in the top of the sixth, and improved to 10-13 on the season.
The offense produced six hits behind her, but only needed the first inning to get the job done.
Kamryn Walker dropped a bunt to surprise the defense to lead off the bottom of the first and beat it out for a single.
Amarah Farley was next and she tattooed a double to the left-center fence to score Walker.
Vanguard had six hits, one error, and five runners left on base. APU had four hits and four runners left aboard.
Adriana Portillo went 2-for-3 to pace the lineup, and
Mia Hernandez and
Kaylee DeMaio also recorded hits for the Lions.
VU 3 APU 2
Just like the first game, all the runs came at once for Vanguard, as the team put a three-spot on the board in the bottom of the third.
Aeri Corral took a walk to start the frame and then stole second with one out.
Marissa Gurrola shot a single to center and got to second on the throw home, as Corral crossed the plate to put VU up 1-0. Farley hit a screaming shot to the shortstop with two outs for an infield single to put runners on the corners, and she stole second with Hernandez at the dish. The senior then brought her fellow classmates home on a belted double to the left-center gap to vault the Lions to a 3-0 lead. While she did not get a hit, the crowd and team roared when
Emma Noble returned for one final at-bat in the game, and Williams was also given a pinch-hit opportunity.
LeeAnne Miranda had a clean first inning, but APU loaded the bases with two singles and a walk. Despite the pressure, the senior got a groundout to retire the side and she kept the Cougars at bay through the next three intervals. However, APU final scored in the top of the sixth to make it a one-run game. A double and a triple cut the score to 3-1 and another single made it 3-2, but Miranda did not flinch and got another groundout to end the threat. She then set the Cougars down in order in the top of the seventh to complete the day with a sensational victory. The Vanguard defense was fantastic in both games and did not make an error in game two.
VU scored three runs on five hits and left three runners on base. APU had two runs, seven hits, and seven runners left aboard. Five different players had one hit, and Hernandez paced the lineup with two RBI. Miranda improved to 6-5 and had five strikeouts, setting a season-high.
Why is it Important? After a split last year, the Lions have now won three in a row against APU to trail 70-62 in the all-time series. It is the first time since 2010 that VU has won three straight over the Cougars. APU is tougher at home, though, with seven more wins on campus than on the road. APU is also now in jeopardy of missing the PacWest Tournament, with Dominican and Hawaii Hilo all sitting on 21 conference wins.
What was Said? "Today was a special day to be apart of," said Head Coach
Sydney Lahners. "It was great to see all of our seniors contribute and perform today. The two wins just make it even sweeter. I couldn't be more proud of our team."
What's Next? The two programs go to APU for another 2:00 p.m. doubleheader to close out the season.
