Phoenix, AZ- Featuring a lineup of 12 newcomers and seven returners with several filling new roles did not faze Arizona Christian as they opened their 2017 season with 10-2 and 8-0 wins over Embry-Riddle (AZ) on Wednesday.  Junior Ashlynn Preciado delivered 6 RBI and a home run while earning the game one win.

The Eagles (0-2) cashed in a two run home run against Preciado in the top of the first in game one.  But ERAU would not score again the rest of the afternoon/evening.

Preciado, playing primarily as an outfielder last season with seven starts in the circle, only allowed two more base runners on an error in the second (erased caught stealing) and single in the fifth (erased on a double play) before earning her first win of the season.

After plating three runs in the bottom of the first- highlighted by a double off the bat of Sophomore Taylor Babbitt, the Firestorm (2-0) hammered out a four spot in the second thanks to a three run home run to left by Preciado.  Two pitches later Senior Meaghen Nelson, who has moved from second base last season to shortstop this year, drilled her first round tripper of the 2017 campaign.

In the third, four of the first six batters reached.  Senior Sianna Gomez drove in Junior Bridget Kruck and Gomez came home when Nelson walked with the bases loaded to give ACU a 9-2 edge.

With the mercy rule (eight run lead after five innings) in play, the Firestorm were looking for just one more run.  Three straight singles loaded the bases in the bottom of fifth and a sacrifice fly lifted to right by Preciado brought home Gomez for the game ending run.

The top three in the ACU lineup- Gomez, Junior Cheyann Michael, and Babbitt- all produced three hits and two runs scored while only one total out was recorded against the trio.

Game two saw Junior Chelsea Havill single leading off the top of the second and Sophomore Anely Marcilla help her own cause by doubling down the left line to plate Havill.  Freshman Paige Church traded places with Marcilla with a double of her own for a quick 2-0 ACU lead.

ACU sent ten to the plate in the fourth to add to score four more.  Five singles, a walk, and an error allowed Havill, Marcilla, Freshman Alexis Honeycutt, and Sophomore Jenna Castilleja to all bring home the mail.

Needing two runs in the bottom of the fifth to end the evening, Church came home on an RBI single from Castilleja.  An illegal pitch with the bases loaded sent Senior Yvette Ortega walking home to put a wrap on game two.

After making just four starts resulting in one win last season, Marcilla went the distance giving up just four singles for the win.

Head Coach Trisha Thurston commented, "This was a great start to our season, I am so proud of the effort and energy the ladies had tonight.  They were two solid team wins with contributions from our returning players and newcomers.  Loved the composure they showed after getting down two runs early as they answered right back and continued to keep the pressure on their defense.  Great pitching and catching performances, great hitting, and great defensive plays.  Go Firestorm - keep the fire burning!"

On Saturday, the Firestorm will host their other in-state rival- Benedictine- Mesa- at the Rose Mofford Sports Complex for two games beginning at 12:00 pm.