Seattle University Softball hosted the Lions of Loyola Marymount University for a three game weekend series at Logan Field, April 17-19, their second home conference matchup of the season. The Redhawks dropped all three games to the Lions with scores of 1-2, 0-8 and 5-7, respectively.
Despite having a strong offensive finish during the culmination of the series, the Redhawks were unable to recover from an early LMU lead.
The Lions tallied four runs in the third inning while the Redhawks remained scoreless until the fourth. Seattle U was able to answer back by scoring twice to close the gap and change the momentum. The Redhawks’ first run came from an RBI double to right field from Sophomore outfielder Abbie Fales, bringing Senior catcher and designated player Ava Sin around to score. The Redhawks kept the momentum going when Freshman utility player Aurora Zepeda picked up an RBI of her own, driving a single through the right side, scoring Fales. The Redhawks went into the second half of the game only down two runs, 2-4.
“Before that inning, we had a talk, and we really were like, ‘Just keep this energy,’” Senior infielder Brooklyn Jones said. “It was really relieving to finally get on the board; it showed that we never give up.”
(Seattle U Athletics)
In response, LMU stretched their lead to 2-6 with two runs in the fifth inning, then 2-7 with another run in the sixth. But in the last part of the game, Seattle U continued to scratch back.
In the sixth inning, Sin led the Redhawks within four runs after scoring on an error by LMU. Seattle U had a 3-7 lead going into the eighth, but they managed one last comeback.
Senior infielder Taylor Fitch carried the inning after drawing a walk with two outs, and Sin doubled to put two runners in scoring position. Then Spadafora delivered once more, cutting the score to 5-7 with a two-RBI double to left field. In the end, the Lions stopped the Redhawks’ last push to win.
With two doubles and three runs scored, Sin contributed several extra-base hits to Seattle U’s last seven hits in a career-high offensive effort. Zepeda contributed a hit and an RBI single, while Fales added a double, an RBI and a run scored. Zepeda, Graduate student utility player Jay Ross and Junior pitcher Avari Morris also recorded hits during the game.
Freshman pitcher Kaia Galaviz took the start in the circle and pitched four innings, striking out four hitters while giving up four runs on multiple hits. After LMU’s third inning rally, Sophomore Maya Mesa pitched 3 innings, striking out one and giving up no earned runs to help end the game.
Though the Redhawks were defeated by LMU, they remained competitive throughout key moments of the weekend, ending a difficult three-game series with the loss. Strong pitching and lost opportunities highlighted Seattle U’s close 1-2 loss in eight innings to start the series on Friday. Morris led the offense with two hits, including a triple and scored the team’s only run, while Ross drove her in with an RBI single. Despite outhitting LMU, the Lions scored late in the innings due to defensive mistakes.
The outcome of the game on Saturday was different as LMU won 0-8 in six innings. Even though the Redhawks struggled to score, players like Ross and Fales contributed by recording hits. Morris went back to the circle and pitched the full six innings, striking out three, while Ross and Spadafora put out many batters for the defense.
Several players were recognized for their consistency throughout the series. While Sin continued to be a key offensive presence with extra base hits, including several doubles, Morris recorded hits in several games and helped both at the plate and in the circle. Zepeda showed flexibility both offensively and defensively, matching career highs and making important plays in the field, while Spadafora’s late-game performance on Sunday demonstrated her impact.
Seattle U players emphasized their mentality and maintained competitiveness throughout the game despite the scoreboard showing a multi run deficit.
“You don’t get better when you’re succeeding. You only get better from failing and then learning from it,” Sin said.
Spadafora emphasized the team’s fight throughout the game.
“We never gave up,” Spadafora said. “We scored in the fourth inning, and then we scored again in the last inning; that shows we have fight.”
The Redhawks fought throughout the weekend despite losing, stretching games into late innings, creating scoring opportunities and competing against a tough conference opponent.
Seattle U hits the road this, traveling to face Oregon State University April 24 before returning home for its penultimate three-game series of the season against Santa Clara University May 1-3.
