By Jacob Hayes

Newberg, Ore. --- The George Fox softball team split their Sunday doubleheader against the Pacific (Ore.) Boxers, dropping game one 8-7 and walking off game two 4-3. 

How It Happened

It took a bit for the Bruins to get rolling at the plate in game one. Through the first three innings, the Bruins couldn't even muster up a base runner.  Eventually, the dry spell ended and the dam broke open for a five-run rally in the bottom of the fourth.  Claire Fountain and Katie Ladd had back-to-back RBI singles to start the scoring and Caitlyn Rhoades knocked them all in with a homer over the left-field fence.  Ladd hit a double in the fifth to add another RBI on the day, but the lead would not last.  Disaster struck in the top of the sixth as the Boxers scored seven runs on six hits and two errors, taking the lead 8-6. Though the Bruins did not catch up, Savannah Vargas made history in the bottom of the seventh.  A towering solo homer over the center-field wall gave her 33 career home runs, claiming the George Fox career home run record from Annie Veatch.

In game two, the Boxers were on the board early, but Rhoades hit her second home run of the day in the bottom of the second, reclaiming the lead 2-1.  The score was tied back up in the third, but Kamryn Potter took the lead back herself with a solo shot to center field in the fifth.  The Boxers did not give up, however, tying the game again with their own run in the sixth.  Going into the bottom of the seventh, the Bruins had made it back around to the top of the order and planned to finish it there.  Olivia Nelson led off the inning and was gifted first base when she was hit by a pitch.  Potter was given a free base too after another errant pitch, bringing Vargas to the plate.  To cap off her historic day, she singled to right field scoring Nelson from second, ending the game 4-3.

Top Performers

Vargas made history with her home run in game one.  She now has the most home runs by any George Fox softball player with 33 and counting.  Rhoades had two homers on the day, finishing with a team-high five RBIs.  

Their Thoughts

"It's always important to win a series when you get the chance," said head coach Jessica Hollen. "I am proud of the team for continuing to grind in that last game and get the win."

Coach Hollen also reflected on the record set by Vargas during the day. "Sav didn't just set a new career record - she set a new career record in home runs, a stat that we [as a team] have been able to lead the nation in. That's big time."

What It Means

The Bruins move to 6-2 in conference play and are 10-6 overall.  The Boxers win their first conference game at 1-7 and are 6-12 overall.

What Happens Next

George Fox makes their way up north to Tacoma, Wash., on April 2-3 for a four-game series against the Pacific Lutheran Lutes.  First pitch is scheduled for 12:00pm.