GCU Splits First Two Games of Desert Stinger

Friday, February 11

Las Vegas, NV

5:00 pm

Grand Canyon

Western Oregon (Desert Stinger)

2/12/2011 12:35:39 AM | Softball

By: Brooke Baker

The Grand Canyon University softball team spilt the first two games of the Desert Stinger in Las Vegas today, beating Western Oregon and losing to Humboldt State.

GCU beat Western Oregon 4-1 after coming out strong in the first inning. The ‘Lopes scored two runs on two hits and 1 error. Freshman Claire Zampini got on base by an error and was able to advance to second. Then senior Teddy Barry singled to right field, bringing Zampini across the plate to put GCU ahead, 1-0. Barry stole second and went on to score off Montana Lucas’ base hit to third.

The ‘Lopes scored again in the second inning, 3-0, when Rachel Meyer stepped up to the plate and homered to left field.

Grand Canyon gave up a run in the top of the third inning, bringing the score to 3-1. The Antelopes came back to score again in the fifth inning, starting with a double to right field by Meyer. Stephanie Smith came in to run for Meyer. After a series of loose balls, Smith advanced and was able to score for the ‘Lopes, making the final score 4-1.

Junior pitcher Kirsitn Linert ended the game with 10 strikeouts. Barry, Lucas, and Meyer each carded one RBI.

Next Grand Canyon faced Humboldt State in a nine inning contest, dropping the game 8-9. The ‘Lopes dominated the first inning, scoring four runs. Senior Kaycee Gamez doubled to left center. Barry walked to have runners on first and second when Meyer singled. Gamez scored and Barry advanced to second. Next up, Lucas homered to right field, emptying the bases.

The ‘Lopes scored again in the second when Gamez sent one over the left fence, bringing the score to 5-0.

GCU gave up five runs in the next three innings, one in the second, three in the third and one in the fourth to tie the game. Humboldt scored again in the sixth to pull ahead. Grand Canyon responded with two runs in the seventh. Gamez walked, then Barry reached first on a fielder’s choice. Gamez advanced to second by an error at second base. The Meyer singled to left field and brought Gamez to home plate. Then Barry scored on a wild pitch, 7-6.

Humboldt responded with another run in the bottom of the seventh to tie the game and send it into extra innings.

Both teams scored in the eighth to keep the score tied. Humboldt held GCU in the ninth and went on to score in the bottom of the ninth to win the game, 9-8.

The ‘Lopes will take on St. Martins and Montana State-Billings Saturday, starting at noon.