PORTLAND | Warner Pacific University softball faced off against the Number 1 team in the nation on Thursday afternoon. The team traveled south to Ashland, Oregon for a match up with the Southern Oregon Raiders. The Knights dropped the first two of a four game series to the Raiders, 0-8 and 0-6, respectively. The team moves to 7-10 (1-7 CCC) on the year.
 
Follow the Knights on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
 
The Rundown
The reigning NAIA Champions and Southern Oregon Red Raiders' star pitcher Gabby Sandoval threw nearly a no-hitter in game one against the Knights, as Warner Pacific found it difficult to make contact with the ball. Only two Knights recorded hits in the game, Macy Besuyen and Abby Carlson.
 
The Knights gave up three quick runs to SOU in the first inning before gathering their composure and keeping it a three-run game for the next three. The fifth inning, however proved to be the dagger for the Knights as the team allowed for Southern Oregon to get five runs and thus enforcing the 8-after-five scoring ruling to cut the game short.
 
In game two, the Knights looked much more like themselves, playing tighter defense, making SOU earn their runs. Through 2.5 innings, Warner Pacific held the No. 1 team in the nation scoreless, yet only allowing one run through four.
 
The fifth inning, much like the game prior, SOU showed why they're the top team in the NAIA, crossing the plate four more times to take a 5-0 lead. Eventually scoring one more run the next inning, the Red Raiders shut out the Knights to complete day one of the series.
 
Warner Pacific struggled against the SOU mound, managing to get just four hits in the two games. Freshman Abby Carlson led the team with two of the four.
 
Deeper Look
Warner Pacific moves to 1-7 in conference play
 
Flash Forward
The Knights face the Red Raiders in day two of the series tomorrow at 1 and 3pm.