Prescott, Ariz.- Needing to win two games against Embry-Riddle (AZ) on Championship Thursday of the 2025 GSAC Championships, Arizona Christian did just that as they staked their claim as the GSAC Champions.  The Firestorm rode the right arm of Dayna Herrera as she threw two complete games to claim the GSAC banner.

Game Info

• Game one score: Arizona Christian - 4, Embry-Riddle (AZ) - 0
• Game two score: Arizona Christian - 4, Embry-Riddle (AZ) - 3
• Records: Arizona Christian - 27-24, Embry-Riddle (AZ) - 27-11
• NAIA Top 25 ranking: Arizona Christian - not ranked, Embry-Riddle (AZ) - RV
• Location: Eagles Softball Field, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, AZ

ACU Game One Stats

• Elena Garcia - 2-4, 2 runs, SB
• Herrera - 2-4, RBI, CG win
• Taylor Fogleman - 1-3, 2B, RBI
• Morgan Bradford - 1-4, RBI
• Sierra Lauko - RBI
• Jyden Miles - 1-4
• Christina Grubb - 1-2

Inside Game One

• In the second, Lauko was hit by a pitch and stole second before Fogleman doubled her home for a 1-0 lead 
• After ERAU stranded two, the Firestorm added a run in the top of the third when Garcia scored on an RBI single from Herrera
• Move up to the sixth, Bradford laid down a squeeze bunt attempt but avoided the tag for a single to score Garcia and move pinch runner Mekhia Wagner to third
• Wagner then came home on a misplayed grounder to create a 4-0 edge
• Herrera pitched around a triple allowed in the seventh to seal the win
• By winning three elimination games, ACU forced the if needed game

ACU Game Two Stats

• Herrera - 2 BB, run, CG win
• Bradford - 2 BB, 2 runs
• Fogleman - 1-3, 2 RBI
• Garcia - 1-4, run
• Lauko - HBP, RBI
• Nadia Landeros - HBP, RBI
• Brittany McCracken - pinch hit single

Inside Game Two

• Playing as the designated home team, the Firestorm scored three runs in the bottom of the first with the benefit of just one hit
• Garcia reached on an error, Herrera walked, Bradford and Lauko (RBI) were hit by a pitch, and Fogleman delivered a two RBI single
• The Eagles scored one in the fourth and one in the fifth to climb with one
• With the bases loaded in the fifth, Landeros pinch hit and was hit by a pitch to create a 4-2 advantage
• ERAU had traffic in every inning and produced one more run in the seventh
• But Herrera completed her fourth game in as many starts with a ground out and the celebration was on
• For the first time since 2016, the Firestorm claimed the GSAC tournament championship

Thoughts from Coach Mayben
"So proud of this team. They were committed to finishing well, never gave up, and represented Christ through the loss and the wins.  Dayna was a rock this week!  Taylor was an MVP and inspiration to the team with her leadership and play on the field.  Looking forward to seeing where we are sent for the opening round and continuing our journey."

Up Next
As the GSAC Tournament champions, Arizona Christian earns an automatic bid to the NAIA Opening Round.  The Firestorm will find out where they are headed during the selection show on May 7 at 3 pm (Pacific).