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LOS ANGELES — The Occidental softball team split a doubleheader with Whittier at Bell Field on Friday to close out its home schedule.

The Tigers fell 8-4 in Game 1 and then hung on for a thrilling 4-3 victory in Game 2.

Game 2: Occidental 4, Whittier 3

Trailing 2-1 with runners on the corners in the bottom of the fifth, Madison Romero drilled a line-drive double down the left-field line, bringing in Nyla Gatison and Alexandra Olkein to give Oxy its first lead of the day.

Romero finished the game 2 for 3.

Natalie Glover then doubled in Drew Samson in the sixth, giving Oxy a two-run cushion and some much-needed insurance. 

The Poets made it interesting in the seventh, loading the bases and scoring one run before Cora Roberts charged a dribbler from short and threw a strike to first to seal the game. Oxy also had a huge double play in the inning on a line drive to Samson at third base that prevented what would have eventually been a run, from crossing the plate. 

Delaney Russell pitched all seven innings, giving up just two earned, for the victory.

Game 1: Whittier 8, Occidental 4

Bailey Stevens drove in a pair of runs, Kira Elliott went 2 for 3 and Nyla Gatison went 2 for 4 for Oxy in Game 1. The Tigers fell in a 5-0 hole and nearly climbed out of it with all four of their runs in the fourth and fifth, but couldn't get far enough back to tie or take the lead.

Delaney Russell pitched the first three innings and Kristin LeBlank pitched the final four.

Amanda Melodia earned the win for the Poets.

Season Impact: Oxy's record goes to 5-32 overall and 5-22 in SCIAC.

Whittier is now 16-17-1 and 13-12.

Next Game: Oxy finishes the season at Cal Lutheran with a doubleheader on Saturday.