GCU splits contests in final day of DeMarini Desert Classic

Sunday, February 21

Las Vegas, Nev.

12:15 p.m.

Grand Canyon

9-2

Colorado State

3-7

Grand Canyon

Colorado St.

GCU splits contests in final day of DeMarini Desert Classic

2/21/2016 10:07:00 PM | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

By: Imani Suber

LAS VEGAS – The Grand Canyon softball team went 1-1 on the final day of the DeMarini Desert Classic. GCU defeated Colorado State in a 3-1 decision, but suffered its third loss against UTEP, 12-5 Sunday. In the first contest, GCU held Colorado State to one run as Taylor Nowlin picked up her third win of the year.

GCU now sits at 9-3 on the season and totaled 26 runs from 56 hits and 27 RBI on the weekend.

Game 1: GCU claimed a 3-1 victory over Colorado State Sunday afternoon. The Lopes recorded seven hits with three RBI and two stolen bases against the Rams.

Shea Smith posted the Lopes first run of the day. The defenses were neck and neck for four innings until GCU crossed the plate off of Jamilia Cosay's double base hit. She garnered two RBI by driving in Nicole Newbury and Camree Wartman to go up by two and notch Grand Canyon's ninth victory.

Game 2: GCU battled back, but couldn't overcome an eight-run deficit and fell to UTEP in a 12-5 decision Sunday.

With the bases loaded in the seventh, GCU couldn't muster the offensive strength to capitalize. Wartman led the team with four hits and two runs including a double. Shea Smith also recorded her ninth double of the season.

Lopes Notes:
Taylor Nowlin is now 21 strikeouts away from the all-time record.
Shea Smith leads the team with 17 runs, nine doubles and a .833 slugging percentage.

Up Next:
The Lopes return home to host the GCU Invitational, Friday Feb. 26 to Sunday, Feb. 28. Montana, Northern Illinois and Texas State are the slate of opponents for the weekend contests.