GCU Splits Series at Hilo

Sunday, February 27

Hilo, HI

1:00 p.m.

Grand Canyon

University of Hawai'i Hilo

2/27/2011 10:09:14 PM | Softball

By: Brooke Baker

The Grand Canyon University softball team split the two game series against the University of Hawai’i at Hilo today losing 3-7 in the first and winning 5-0 in the second.

GCU lost the first of two games today to the Vulcans. Hilo took the lead early scoring four runs in the first inning against Antelope pitcher Ivy Campas (Tucson, AZ, Sunnyside HS (Phoenix College)). The Vulcans scored four runs on two hits and no errors.

Grand Canyon subbed in Dani Jackman (Mill Creek, WA, Henry M. Jackson) to pitch at the start of the second inning. Jackman held Hilo at just one run in the second bringing the score to 0-5.

The third inning was scoreless and the ‘Lopes finally put themselves on the scoreboard in the fourth inning. Teddy Barry (Phoenix, AZ, Greenway HS (Phoenix College)) led off in the fourth and singled to the short stop. While Rachel Meyer (Gilbert, AZ, Mesquite) was up to bat, Barry stole second. Meyer struck out and Montana Lucas (Glendale, AZ, Cactus HS (Phoenix College)) came up to the plate. A single up the middle brought Barry to third. Michelle Rasmussen (Puyallup, WA, Emerald Ridge HS (Arizona Western CC)) singled to center to bring Barry across the plate, 1-5.

The Vulcans responded with another run in the bottom of the fourth. The bases were loaded when Jackman walked in the run bringing the score to 1-6.

GCU battled in the fifth inning scoring two runs. Hits by Kara Holtorf and Claire Zampini put runners on base. Holtorf and Zampini stole third and second respectively. Two sacrifice flies by Samantha Wyatt and Barry brought in the runs. The ‘Lopes ended the inning with a 3-6 score.

Hilo responded with yet another run, 3-7.

The sixth inning was scoreless for both teams and GCU was unable to score in the seventh ending the game.

“We lacked leadership on the mound,” said head coach Ann Pierson. “It’s hard to come back when you’re down 5-0 by the second inning.”

With a double header, the ‘Lopes had an opportunity to redeem themselves and that they did. GCU beat Hilo 5-0.

Junior pitcher Kirstin Linert held the Vulcans giving up just two hits the entire game and struck out five. “Kirsten did a great job attacking their hitters and managing the strike zone. I was pleased with the way she got ahead and stayed ahead,” said Pierson.

The game was scoreless until the fourth inning when GCU knocked in two runs to take the lead 2-0. Wyatt, Barry, and Meyer singled to load the bases. Solid at-bats by Lucas and Rasmussen earned them each an RBI and the lead.

The ‘Lopes scored again in the fifth with a single from Zampini who then advanced on a ground out. A single to center by Barry brought Zampini across home plate to give GCU a 3-0 advantage.

Two more runs were brought in during the sixth inning. Singles by Linert and Rasmussen put runners on base. C.J. Norvell reached on a fielder’s choice but an error by the short stop gave Linert the opportunity to score. Hilo’s pitcher walked two Antelopes in a row to walk the final run, 5-0.

The Vulcans were unable to score in the seventh inning ending the game and giving Grand Canyon a victory.

“Our defense was solid and we had continued key hits from everybody. We were able to do the little things well offensively,” said Pierson.

The ‘Lopes are headed to Honolulu, HI to continue the Hawaii series. GCU plays a double header at Hawai’i Pacific University on Tuesday, Mar. 1 starting at 1 pm local time.

Grand Canyon 3, Hilo 7

Grand Canyon 5, Hilo 0