Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

The Park University Gilbert softball team (4-4) dropped a pair of games against Avila University (9-5) this evening at Arizona Christian University in Glendale, Ariz. Avila won the first game 4-1 and the second 3-1. These games were slated to be played earlier in the day at Valley Christian High School in Chandler, Ariz., but due to yesterday's rain, the Valley Christian field was unplayable and had to be moved.

Game 1 Avila 4, Park 1

In a pitcher's duel, Avila came out on top 4-1 putting up a solo run in the first and three more in the seventh. In between Buccaneer starter Elisa Garcia was spot on throwing scoreless innings from the second through the sixth before being touched up early in the final inning.

The Bucs struggled to get the bats going which is generally not an issue for this squad, but they only managed five hits with two extra base knocks. Carolina Olivas had two of the hits including the run scoring single in the seventh for Park's lone score.

Garcia (1-2) threw 6 2/3 innings allowing seven hits and four runs (three earned). Nicole Darby came on for the final out in the seventh.

In addition to Olivas' two hits, Ileana River also had a double, while Alejandra Castro and Garcia also had hits.

Game 2 Avila 3, Park 1

Avila got on the board in the first just as they did in game one, scoring one run off of Park Gilbert starter Samara Romero. The Bucs answered right back in the bottom of the inning as Sorcha Walker drove home Noelle Gumm with a single.

Avila added single runs in the second and third innings which closed out the scoring,

Romero (2-2) went 4.0 innings allowing three hits and three runs (one earned) to take the hard luck loss. Nicole Darby threw the last three scoreless innings to finish the game.

At the plate, the Bucs only managed four hits, two off the bat of Gumm. Samara Romero and Walker had the other hits.

The Bucs have a quick turnaround for their next contests as they travel to Tucson, Ariz., to participate in the Tucson Invitational Games tomorrow and Monday. They will face Dickinson State and the University of Jamestown tomorrow at 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm respectively.