LOS ANGELES, Calif.- The Pacific softball team split its doubleheader against LMU after the Lions took the opening game 12-0. The Tigers rebounded with 5-4 victory in game three, earning their first win over LMU since 2021.
 
"Amazing comeback win late," head coach Brian Kolze shared. "The team showed tremendous heart and determination to comeback and win today's second game. Avery [Croxall] was amazing in the circle and we had great at bats with runners able to find ways to score even if we didn't get a hit."
 
The Tigers faced an early deficit to open the day as the Lions grabbed four runs at the bottom of the first behind a two run home run. The Lions hot offense carried into the second as, conversely, the Tigers struggled to get going offensively. With two multi-run home runs from the Lions in the bottom of the second, LMU stormed ahead and the Tigers fell in game two by 12.
 
Sophomore Olivia Silvestre and junior Talissa Montez led the Tigers in the winning effort over the Lions in game three. Both recorded two hits and scored a run, while Silvestre recorded 2 RBI. Senior Nina Davis was the final of three Tigers to have a multi-hit game in game three. After opening the day with only two hits in Saturday's first contest, the Tigers notched eight hits in game three. 
 
Five different Tigers scored runs, including pinch runners junior Rory Schuck and Emily Budelli. Schuck gave the Tigers their initial go ahead run in the bottom of the fifth, while Budelli tied the game 3-all after LMU overtook the lead in the bottom of the sixth. 
 
Senior Avery Croxall claimed her seventh win of the season pitching through all 7.0 innings to end the day. The senior faced 31 batters and struck out five, allowing six hits and four runs though only two were earned. Her five strikeouts was the most by a pitcher from either squad on the day.
 
LMU got on the board first, scoring a one run homer to open game three. The Tigers responded by shutting out the Lions through four innings. Pacific broke through in the top of the fifth behind a base hit from Silvestre that drew in Montez for the score. Schuck gave the Tigers the 2-1 lead after the Lions got Silvestre out at third.
 
In the bottom of the sixth, the Lions took hold of the lead behind a two run home run, capitalizing on the Tiger error. Facing the potential final inning, the Tigers strung together three runs to take back the lead. 
 
Budelli scored off the combination of a LMU error and a base hit by Silvestre. After sophomore Asia Lee drew the walk, the Tigers had three runners on, facing one out. Senior Rian Dirmeyer notched a hit that brought in Eck for the go ahead run. 
 
Sophomore Jordan Hayes faced two outs with the bases loaded. The second baseman drew a walk and RBI as Silvestre scored the insurance run to put Pacific up 5-3. The Lions got a run back in the bottom of the seventh with a sacrifice fly, but Hayes and junior Delaney Scully locked up the final out to ice the game 5-4.
 
The Tigers conclude their four game series with the Lions on Sunday, April 28 at 10 a.m. at Smith Field. 
 
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