Seattle University softball lost to Oregon State, 8-6, in the series finale at Kelly Field on April 26. The Redhawks held a one-run lead late in the game, but the Beavers came back to win on their senior day.
The game was significant as Seattle U was aiming for its third straight comeback victory and had recorded its 22nd game with double-digit hits this season. However, despite a strong offensive performance with 11 hits, they were unable to secure the win.
Graduate Jay Ross led Seattle U with three hits and hit her first home run for the team. Ross scored two runs and had two runs batted in. Senior Ava Sin and freshman Aurora Zepeda also contributed multiple hits each; Sin drove in a run with a double while both players scored once during the contest. Junior Avari Morris, junior Sophia Kissling, junior Karen Spadafora, and senior Taylor Fitch each added at least one hit.
On defense, Morris and Zepeda led with four putouts apiece. Junior Berkley Vance started as pitcher for Seattle U, facing 16 batters over nearly three innings. Sophomore Maya Mesa also pitched nearly three innings and recorded two strikeouts—the most among all pitchers that day—while freshman Kaia Galaviz closed out the final part of the game.
The Redhawks got on base early but fell behind after Oregon State hit a grand slam in the second inning. Seattle U responded by scoring three runs in the third inning through singles from Morris and Ross followed by an RBI double from Sin and additional runs due to errors by Oregon State. The Beavers regained their lead after hitting another home run but Seattle U answered back: Zepeda singled before Kissling stole second base; Morris brought Zepeda home with a sacrifice fly; then Ross hit her first home run of the season giving Seattle U its first lead of the day.
Both teams went scoreless in the fifth inning until Oregon State took back control with another home run in the sixth inning. Although Spadafora singled later for Seattle U, they could not rally further before falling short at 8-6.
Seattle University will return to action against Santa Clara starting Friday, May 1.
