The Grand Canyon University softball team, ranked No. 10 in the NFCA Division II Top 25, defeated San Francisco State University, 7-4 and 5-4, in a non-conference doubleheader today at Stapleton-Pierson Field. The Antelopes have won 10 straight games and are 24-4 on the season.
In Game One, GCU jumped out to a 5-0 lead after two innings, but San Francisco State scored once in the fourth inning and twice in the fifth to close the gap to two. The 'Lopes pushed two more runs across the plate in the sixth and the Gators scored once more in the seventh.
Senior designated player Tracy Lubken (Scottsdale, AZ/Horizon) was the star of the game, smacking two home runs, driving in five runs and scoring two. Senior right fielder Nicki Lorenzi (Phoenix, AZ/Horizon), GCU's leadoff hitter, went 2-for-3 with a stolen base and three runs scored. Junior left fielder Teddy Barry (Phoenix, AZ/Greenway) had a double and two stolen bases.
Senior Amy Searcy (Bixby, OK/Bixby) pitched seven innings and allowed nine hits and four runs (all earned), walked one and had two strikeouts. She raised her season record to 12-2.
In Game Two, senior third baseman Gayle Nisbet (Phoenix, AZ/Shadow Mountain) was 2-for-2 with two doubles, one RBI and one run scored. Lubken had a double, as did sophomore shortstop Kaycee Gamez (Eugene, OR/Sheldon), who returned to the lineup after missing several games due to illness.
Sophomore Ivy Campas (Tucson, AZ/Sunnyside) pitched seven innings and gave up five hits and four runs (only one of which was earned), walked two and recorded three strikeouts. Campas is 11-2 this season.
The 'Lopes host San Francisco State for a single game tomorrow starting at noon.
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