STRONG FINISH

By Brandon Petersen

Westcliff did just enough Saturday.

Behind a complete-game effort from Madison Mendez and timely early offense, the Warriors edged Embry-Riddle 3-2 to close out the series on a positive note.

Westcliff (13-20) got on the board immediately in the first inning when Mendez helped herself with an RBI single up the middle, scoring Alyssa Patlan for a 1-0 lead.

The Warriors added another run in the second. Justice Reese delivered an RBI single to right field to bring home Emma Avelar and extend the advantage to 2-0.

Mendez handled the rest early, keeping Embry-Riddle (22-11) off balance through five scoreless innings while allowing just a handful of baserunners.

The Eagles broke through in the sixth, tying the game on a two-run double from Kayli Clark to make it 2-2.

Westcliff answered immediately.

In the bottom half of the inning, Kayce Johnston made the play of game after reaching and moving into scoring position.

Johnston led off too far in between pitches and took off when she successfully baited a throw. That toss ended up in center, and Johnston scooted home for the game-winning score.

Mendez returned for the seventh and closed it out, finishing the complete game with five hits allowed and two runs while throwing 94 pitches.

Offensively, Johnston led Westcliff with two hits, while Patlan, Reese, and Mendez each added a hit and an RBI.

Westcliff finished with eight hits on the day and committed no errors defensively.

In a tight game against a strong opponent, the Warriors executed early, responded late, and held on when it mattered.