La Mirada, CA- Returning to GSAC play on Saturday, ACU used late runs in game one to forge a split with #20 Hope International- winning the opener 7-2 (8 innings) before falling 4-0 in the night cap.  Senior Ashlynn Preciado was 2-4 with a double and three RBI.  Sophomore Paige Church doubled twice.

Playing on the "neutral" field of Biola University, the teams were scoreless through four innings with limited opportunities.  In the bottom of the fifth, the Royals (23-3, 3-1 GSAC) used a hit batter, stolen base, and double to open the scoring.

Still down 1-0 headed to the seventh, Church began the top of the inning with a double.  She moved up to third on sacrifice bunt before Preciado singled her home for the 1-1 tie.

To begin the extra inning, Senior Bridget Kruck was placed at second as part of the international tie break.  One out later, Junior Taylor Babbitt singled.  Junior Kylee Brown reached on fielder's choice that scored Kruck.  Church walked to load the bases.  Freshman Elsy Guzman single down the left field line to plate two.  Preciado doubled to drive in Church and Guzman.  Freshman Shae Bushey capped the six run inning with an RBI single allowing Preciado to score.

HIU scored one run (unearned) in their part of the eight but Sophomore Hilaria Stewart closed out her complete game effort for the win.

Unfortunately, the Firestorm (8-15, 1-5 GSAC) did not have the same magic in game two as they were unable to even advance a runner safely to second.

Stewart (3-3) started the second game as well and only gave up a single run but was charged with the loss.  She ended her day with 11 innings pitched and 168 pitches thrown.  Preciado pitched the final three innings allowing three runs.

On Saturday, the Firestorm will host #5 Vanguard for a GSAC twin bill starting at 12:00 pm.  The games are scheduled to be played at Sandra Day O'Connor High School.