Prescott, AZ- Arizona Christian was one out away from sweeping Embry-Riddle (AZ) but had to settle for splitting with the Eagles- falling 7-6 (8 innings) and winning 4-1 on Tuesday night.  Senior Alyssa Vanderdrink was 4-8 on the evening with a double, homer, four RBI, and three runs scored.

In the evening opener, a home run by Senior Abby Beasley in the top of the first was answered by a solo home run for the Eagles (9-23) in the bottom of the second.  ERAU took a 2-1 lead with a run in the fourth.

The top of the fifth saw the Firestorm (17-8-1) turn an error into four unearned runs in the fifth- Vanderdrink collected an RBI single, Beasley cashed in a two RBI double, and Junior Taylor Fabing drove in Beasley with a single for a 5-2 ACU lead.

But ACU returned the favor of an error to extend an inning and ERAU capitalized with back-to-back home runs to tie the game at 5-5 in the bottom of the fifth.

Move ahead to the seventh when Senior Meaghen Nelson drove home Vanderdrink with an RBI single to give ACU a 6-5 edge.

Sophomore Ashlynn Preciado, who came on in relief in the fifth, was an out away from closing the door but a single with two on and two out tied the score at 6-6.

After failing to drive in a run in the top of the eighth, ACU was an out away from extending the game to the ninth but a passed ball brought home the game winning and ending run.

Preciado dropped to 1-2 on the season.

Game two saw the Eagles take the early 1-0 lead.  But Vanderdrink launched her first home run of the season to center and with one swing of the bat ACU moved ahead 2-1.

A ground rule double by Nelson followed by a RBI double for Preciado gave Arizona Christian an insurance run and a 3-1 lead in the fifth.  Senior Ilene Ruiz scored the final run on an RBI single by Vanderdrink.

Freshman Anely Marcilla threw the first three innings before Senior Jackie Aguilar allowed just two hits with seven strikeouts over the final four innings.  Aguilar (8-4) earned the win since Marcilla did not go the required four innings.

Beasley wrote after the game, "I am proud of the team, we hit the ball well in both games but Jackie (Aguilar) threw lights out in the second game which was essential for our defense.  Our energy in the second game was greater than it has ever been, and the bottom of the lineup stepped up quite a bit. Tonight was a full team effort and that is why we walked away with a win."

The Firestorm continue a long week as they host Marymount on Wednesday.  The teams are scheduled for a 2:00 pm start at Rose Mofford Sports Complex.