Sophomore
Kiki Sepulveda threw a five-inning no-hitter and Grand Canyon’s offense erupted for 30 hits in a doubleheader sweep of Dominican University of California at McInnis Park in San Rafael, Calif., Saturday.
GCU (28-13, 15-3) swept the twinbill with wins of 14-0 and 13-2. Both were halted after five innings due to the mercy rule. Grand Canyon vaulted into first place and has a one-half game lead over California Baptist (32-6, 15-4). The Antelopes play at California Baptist next weekend.
Sepulveda (10-3) had just one strikeout, walked two and hit two batters in a 14-0 first game win over Dominican (3-34, 0-19).
“She threw really well,” said GCU coach Ann Pierson. “She kept them off balance and kept the ball down. The defense made great plays behind her and our offense jumped on them early and that always helps a pitcher’s confidence. (Kiki) was outstanding.”
The Antelopes put the game away with an eight-run fifth inning.
Kelsey Barak,
Vanessa Chavez and
Stephanie Smith each went 3-for-4. Barak had a double, triple and three RBIs. Chavez had a pair of doubles and three RBIs. Smith drove in two.
Brandi Gaffin and
Haley Walker also had doubles.
Grand Canyon had 14 hits.
Lauren Regester added a triple and
Kayla Henry stole a base.
In the second game, sophomore
Danielle Legee earned her second win in as many days. She threw three innings, while
Kiley Raica finished the final two.
Again, a big inning paid dividends as the Antelopes exploded for nine runs in the third inning.
Nicole Upshaw hit a long home run, her second in as many days and added double. Smith and Regester each had triples. Regester had three triples in the four-game series.
Upshaw went 3-for-3 with four RBIs. Barak added another three-hit game, going 3-for-3. Regester, Henry and
Claire Zampini each had two hits.
The Antelopes had 16 hits in the game. Henry and Zampini each had stolen bases in the second contest.
“It was good to see our offense come together,” said Pierson. “We were disciplined at the plate and our defense was solid all weekend.
“I’m really pleased with the weekend, overall. They did a great job.”
GCU 14, DUC 0
GCU 13, DUC 2