FULLERTON – Hope International softball posted a huge nine-run first inning in Tuesday's 9-1, five-inning victory over Whitworth on Bastanchury Park.

The Royals (16-12) trailed 1-0 in the first as the Pirates pieced together their run following a walk, a single and a sacrifice fly.

But they responded immediately in the bottom half as Vivian Little led off with a triple down the right field line. Lily Hernandez singled her in to tie the score at 1-1. With one out and two runners aboard, Chey Navarro tripled into the right field corner to score both Hernandez and Amanda Esquivel as HIU led 3-1.

Karlie Bilbrey got hit by a pitch to put runners at the corners, then the Royals executed a double steal with Navarro scoring to make it 4-1. After Whitworth starting pitcher Lina Schwippert walked Arianna Aguirre, the Pirates called upon reliever Madison Sanchez. 

Natalie Corrales walked to load the bases, and back-to-back RBI singles by Jocelyn Aguilar and Little extended the lead to 6-1. Esquivel laced a two-RBI single and Navarro followed with an RBI single as the Royals led 9-1.

HIU sent 15 batters to the plate in the first inning, which lasted 38 minutes. HIU scored its nine runs on eight hits.

Freshman Samantha Elizalde scattered six hits and allowed just the one run in a complete game victory. She improved to 2-0. 

Schwippert, who pitched just one-third of an inning with six runs allowed, fell to 1-5 on the season.

Little finished 3-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI. Esquivel was 2-for-3 with two RBI and Navarro posted a 2-for-3 effort with three RBI at the plate.

HIU plays key games this weekend in Arizona, beginning with a Friday doubleheader at noon against Embry-Riddle.