FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 27th, 2026

Eugene, Ore.| The Warner Pacific Softball opened their conference portion of the schedule today against Bushnell University and started the season strong securing both wins in today's doubleheader. The final scores were 16-4, and 9-2.

Game one
This game started positive early as Warner Pacific would take advantage of defensive errors to grab a 2–0 lead in the first inning. Bushnell answered immediately with a two-run homer to even the score and the teams traded runs through the second inning to sit tied 3–3. Warner Pacific regained the lead in the third on two RBI hits, building some momentum and setting up a big seven-run seventh inning highlighted by a three-run triple. Multiple RBI singles, and aggressive baserunning turned the game into a lopsided finish in favor of the good guys.

Warner Pacific's offense was on fire with 19 hits and contributions from up and down the lineup. Almost just as impressive as the hit total, the team was disciplined at the plate only striking out five times. Madelyn Lahey had a big day with three hits and three RBI's. Brylee-Ross Demello had four RBI's including a big time triple in the seventh and Noelani Barawis had three hits plating three RBI's. Mailli Bode and Ashley Fritz were also huge contributors getting two hits and two RBI's. In the circle, Kili Makanani threw a complete-game, allowing six hits and four runs while striking out three. Though Bushnell had moments of power early, Warner Pacific's consistent pitching and explosive late offense ultimately sealed the win.

Game Two
Scoring stayed tight early before Warner Pacific broke it open in the middle innings. The Knights did score first in the second but Bushnell answered in the fifth to tie the game. Everything changed in the sixth inning as Warner Pacific with another big inning this time for six runs. Noe Barawis sparked the rally with an aggressive steal of home, opening it up all leading to a big time shot with a towering grand slam off the bat of Brylee-Rose Demello that pushed the lead to 7–1. It was the first grand slam in program history. Warner Pacific added insurance runs in the seventh on a sacrifice fly and an RBI single to seal the 9–2 win.

Offensively, Ryleah Torres reached base five times and Noelani Barawis collected three hits and caused chaos on the bases with multiple steals. Brylee-Rose Demello's grand slam provided the knockout moment. Warner Pacific also drew nine walks, continuing to be aggressively patient at the dish, constantly forcing Bushnell into difficult defensive situations. In the circle, Kaylee Pokorny delivered a strong complete-game performance, allowing nine hits but just two runs while limiting damage and keeping Bushnell from stringing together rallies. Lot of credit goes to the Knights defense for having Pokorny's back. The Knights offense and steady pitching gave Warner Pacific the sweep on the day.

Next Up
The Knights now look on to tomorrow where they are set to finish this four game series. Both games will once again be played at Rich Schwab field with game one at 11am followed by game two at 1pm.