SAN RAFAEL, Calif. – Dominican softball split its first day of doubleheaders with No. 16 Concordia University Irvine losing 5-1 in the first game before bouncing back for a 3-2 win in extras of game two at Penguin Field.

Freshman infielder Jadyn Magnuson came through in the clutch in both games delivering a pinch-hit RBI in the first game and a walk-off double in game 2 for the Penguins (6-8, 1-1 PacWest). Kate Tobola went 2-for-3 in the first game with a double and a run scored, while Leslie Ruiz finished 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBI in game two. Nayellys Torres-Gonzalez took home the victory pitching eight innings and holding the Golden Eagles (18-8, 8-2 PacWest) to two runs. 

The second game ended in spectacular fashion as Dominican trailed 2-0 heading into the final inning of play. Kaitlyn Aguilar worked her way to a full count and the Dominican coaching staff caught CUI in a mistake as a foul ball was thrown to first rather than back to the pitcher resulting in ball four with Aguilar reaching safely. Dominican then found itself down to its final out with Ruiz coming to the plate and she came through as she crushed a ball over the fence in left center to tie the game. 

Torres-Gonzalez retired the side in the top of the eighth and  Tiare Guerrero singled down the left-field line with one out, advancing to second as the outfielder misplayed the ball. Magnuson stepped to the plate and put a ball just out of reach of the center fielder allowing Guerrero to come home and slide under the tag for the walk-off winner. 

Dominican got into prime scoring position early in the first game as Tobola singled up the middle and a throwing error by the shortstop on a sacrifice put runners at second and third with no outs. Jayden Nishi was able to work her way out of the jam for CUI with the help of her defense as Caitlynn Campbell showed off her arm gathering in a flyball and firing home for a double play. 

Jessica Im doubled to left to lead off the top of the third for the Golden Eagles and Kaliya Yco singled to left to bring Im home and advanced to second on a throwing error. Yco then game home after Morgan Kneubuhler singled up the middle for the 2-0 lead. Kneubuhler doubled the lead in the top of the fifth as she homered down the left-field line to bring home Yco again for the 4-0 lead. 

Tobola doubled off the fence in left field in the bottom of the sixth and Magnuson singled up the middle to bring her home as Dominican looked to cut into the lead but Nishi once again got help from Campbell with an inning ending double play. 

The Golden Eagles opened the scoring in the top of the third in the second game once again as this time Im singled to right to bring a runner home with two outs. Campbell made it 2-0 in the top of the fourth as she doubled to left center, but Torres-Gonzalez kept stranded a pair of runners at second and third to keep the lead from growing.

Dominican will conclude its series with CUI on Saturday with first pitch at 11 a.m. PST at Penguin Field.