Early Power Not Enough as Bears Fall to Loyola Marymount

Sunday, March 16

Los Angeles, Calif.

11 a.m. (10 a.m. PDT)

University of Northern Colorado

Loyola Marymount

Northern Colorado

Loyola Marymount

Photo by: Jesus Ayala, UNC Athletics

3/16/2025 3:39:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

Home runs from Gonzales and Gaona highlight Northern Colorado’s strong start, but a five-run fourth inning propels LMU to a 9-5 win

By: Brooke Richards, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

LOS ANGELES – A strong offensive start wasn't enough for Northern Colorado, as Loyola Marymount used a five-run fourth inning to take control and secure a 9-5 victory on Sunday at Smith Field.

Northern Colorado (7-18) struck early, plating two runs in the second inning before adding two more in the fourth. The Bears' offense was powered by home runs from Ella Gonzales and Abby Gaona, but they couldn't hold off a late push from Loyola Marymount (11-17).

After falling behind 4-0, LMU responded with five runs in the fourth, sparked by a three-run homer from pinch hitter Jasmine Sofowora. The Lions added two more runs in both the fifth and sixth innings to extend their lead.

Isabelle DiNapoli got the start for Northern Colorado, going 3.1 innings while allowing three earned runs on three hits with four walks. Anna Wilming and Grace Algrim combined in relief, with Wilming pitching 1.2 innings and surrendering four runs, while Algrim closed out the game with one inning, allowing two runs.

Gonzales delivered at the plate, going 1-for-1 with a solo home run, a walk, and a hit-by-pitch.

Gaona had a strong showing, finishing 2-for-2 with two RBIs and a home run.

Alina Quinney added an RBI double in the second inning, giving the Bears an early lead.

UP NEXT
The Bears will travel to Long Beach, Calif. to play a single game against the Long Beach State Sharks on Tuesday at 7 p.m. MST at the LBSU Softball Complex.

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