IRVINE, California – The Northwest Nazarene Softball continued their appearance at the Concordia Kickoff Classic with 2 games on Saturday the 31st. In their first match up the Nighthawks put forth a shut out effort defeating Menlo 4-0. In game two the NNU team kept the momentum alive and walked away with a 5-3 win over Jessup University.    

The split moves the Nighthawks to 3–1 overall in the 2026 season.

Game One

Northwest Nazarene took control early and never looked back in a 4–0 shutout win over Menlo.

The Nighthawks opened the scoring in the bottom of the first inning after loading the bases, with Emma Bumatay bringing home the game's first run on a sacrifice fly to give NNU a 1–0 lead.

NNU broke the game open in the third inning, plating three runs on timely hitting. Bumatay delivered a two-run double down the left-field line, and Ashley Espino followed with an RBI single to push the Nighthawks' advantage to 4–0.

From there, NNU's defense and pitching efforts by Miah Lusk held strong, keeping Menlo off the scoreboard through seven innings to secure the shutout victory.

 Game Two 

Northwest Nazarene carried momentum into game two, earning a 5–3 win over Jessup University.

The Nighthawks struck first in the opening inning as Ava Clark scored on an RBI sacrifice fly from Emma Bumatay to take an early 1–0 lead. Clark added to the advantage in the third inning with a solo home run, pushing NNU ahead 2–0.

NNU extended the lead in the sixth when Katelyn Bell launched a two-run home run, making it 4–0. Jessup responded with three runs in the bottom of the inning to tighten the score, but the Nighthawks answered back in the seventh. Clark crossed the plate once again on an RBI by Jami Obringer to provide insurance.

Miah Lusk closed the door in the final inning, retiring the side to secure the 5–3 victory.

Up Next

The Nighthawks will compete on Tuesday the 3rd against Colorado Christian in California at 1:30 pm Pacific Time.