FULLERTON, Calif. – Whitworth softball closed its three-game trip to California with a 9-1 loss to NAIA opponent Hope International on Tuesday afternoon at Bastanchury Park.

The Royals (16-12) took control with a nine-run first inning. The Pirates fell to 2-13 on the season.

Whitworth scored a run in the first inning and took an early lead for the fifth consecutive game. After Raegen Hofheins drew a walk, Reagan Ellis hit a single and both runners advanced on the throw. Teeghan Reams followed with a sacrifice fly to give the Bucs a 1-0 lead.

Hope International responded with a big bottom half of the inning, scoring nine runs on eight hits to grab a commanding lead. A triple and RBI single tied the game before another triple scored a pair. After a steal of home plate put the Royals up by three, four RBI base hits pushed five more runs across the plate.

The Pirates produced five hits and drew one walk the remainder of the game but couldn't shrink the deficit.

Ellis led Whitworth at the plate with her second multi-hit game in as many days. Hofheins drew two walks. Whitworth hitters made the Royals' defense work as no Pirate player struck out.

Lina Schwippert (1-5) took the loss after getting through 0.1 innings and allowing six runs in the start for the Bucs. Madison Sanchez allowed three runs in 2.2 innings of relief and Trinity Miller pitched the final inning.

Samantha Elizalde (2-0) earned the win with six hits and one run allowed in the five-inning complete game for Hope International. Vivian Little led at the plate with three hits and Chey Navarro posted three RBIs.