COSTA MESA/REDLANDS, Calif. - Westminster softball faced two strong opponents in Vanguard and Redlands to end their trip to California.
Westminster falls to 3-9 after the trip, ending the nonconference campaign before the SLIAC season starts.
"While it was tough to lose in extra innings after leading, the quality of competition will make us ready for conference on Saturday," said Westminster Head Coach Joe Henderson.
Monday's doubleheader against NAIA No. 5 in the nation Vanguard resulted in two early-inning losses for the Blue Jays, getting shut out twice.
Tuesday's doubleheader against NCAA Division III Redlands was closer competition for Westminster, who dropped the first game 3-4 in extra innings, their second extra inning game of the trip.
Katie Price opened the game with three shutout innings, and Samantha Henderson opened up the scoring for both teams with a single down the left field line to score Emily Lucitt and Katie Price.
Amber Tepen added another run in the fifth inning to go up 3-0 against Redlands, but Redlands tied the game up by driving in three runs of their own in the bottom of the fifth.
Price pitched two more shutout innings to send the game into extra innings, when Redlands took the game with a walkoff double.
"It was a tough day for both Katie and Madison (Ingram) in the circle today," said Henderson. "It's been tough to score runs, but hopefully we will be more consistent down the line."
Westminster got off to a slow start in the second game, giving up four runs in the first two innings. Redlands wasn't able to score again for the rest of the game, but it was enough to keep Westminster for earning a split in the series. Their lone run came in the third on a sacrifice fly from Price, but Westminster wasn't able to catch up to finish the game.
"Overall, we had a great spring break trip," said Henderson. "We had great quality games against great opponents for such a young team with only one senior, and we are excited and ready for conference play."
The Blue Jays return home to face Principia in the SLIAC opener Saturday at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
