Softball set for exciting 2017 campaign

With the 2017 campaign quickly approaching, the Grand Canyon softball program is poised for another successful year on field. With 12 returners and six newcomers, Ann Pierson has equipped the squad with the tools to thrive. GCU finished the 2016 season, with a 35-15 record, the best mark since its Division I transition and finished 10-5 in conference play. The Lopes tied for second place in the Western Athletic Conference to cap off the year.

"We are really excited to get the 2017 season started," Pierson added. "We are fortunate to have a strong schedule with top-ranked teams and teams that were in the NCAA Tournament last year. We learn so much playing against top competition and are looking forward to the challenge. We are opening at home in our brand new GCU Softball Stadium, which is fantastic for our current kids as well as our alumni. We have a very strong returning class, anchored by our seniors, and will be able to rely on our experiences from the last three years at the Division I level. We will continue to work as we prepare for our journey towards post-season opportunities in the 2018 season. I am excited to see this program continue to grow and we're really looking forward to a great season."

The Lopes return seven starters from last season in, Madelyn Dowdle, Shea Smith, Sierra Smith, Kendsey Hill, Laynee Gomez and Camree Wartman. GCU also returns WAC Pitcher of the Year, Taylor Nowlin.

"I'm very excited to get this season going," sophomore Shea Smith said. "Going off of last year, we had a pretty successful season overall, but I feel this year our team is a little tougher mentally and physically. I have a really great feeling for this season. Our chemistry as a team is incredible, our work ethic is amazing, and our mental toughness is great."

Pierson and her coaching staff have also made key additions to the squad this season with six newcomers joining the squad. Hailey Freeman, Kama-Lei Santiago, Loriann Olson, Jordon Keeton and Megan Stevens will all see time on the field. The Lopes will also welcome Brianna Aguilar-Beaucage to the circle. This summer, Aguilar-Beaucage was named a finalist for the Canadian Junior National team and will be a big part of the Lopes game plan this year.

The GCU softball program closed out the 2016 season with a 35-15 record and a 10-5 mark in Western Athletic Conference play. The Lopes tied for second in the conference and amassed 314 runs from 481 hits with 94 doubles and 35 home runs. The Lopes hit .342 on the season. GCU had three named to the NFCA All-West Region team for the first time in program history as Nowlin, Wartman and Nicole Newberry were honored. GCU also had five student-athletes named to the All-WAC Team which included Nowlin's Pitcher of the Year accolades. GCU engineered 10 shutouts and run-ruled eight opponents over the course of the season.

They produced 34 games with 10 or more runs and garnered their first win over an SEC opponent when they defeated Arkansas. At 35-15 the Lopes finished the year with best overall record since joining Division I action in 2014. GCU also had the best RPI rankings in program history. They finished 2016 at No. 53 in RPI. The Lopes debuted the year at No. 45, with their highest position of the year at No. 42. In 2016, Nowlin became the Lopes all-time strikeout leader with 435 career strikeouts.

The Lopes have continued coach Pierson's philosophy of academic excellence. Previously this year, GCU earned the highest GPA among Division I Softball Programs with a 3.670 GPA. The Lopes also had 17 student-athletes named to the Easton/NFCA Division I Scholar-Athletes team. The Lopes earned the honor for the first time since 2012, notching the accolade for the first time since joining Division I action.

"Academic success has been a part of our philosophy from the very beginning when the program started," Pierson said. "We're fortunate to have kids that have bought into the philosophy and that are committed to striving to be their best in the classroom."

The Lopes will begin the 2017 campaign in the new GCU Softball Stadium as they host the GCU Kickoff Tournament on Feb. 10-12. They will welcome Northern Colorado and Bradley to Phoenix. On opening day Friday, Feb. 10, GCU will take on Northern Colorado at 2:30 p.m. MST followed by a matchup with Bradley at 5.

Players Mentioned

Brianna Aguilar

Bailey Bergman

Maddie Dowdle

Hailey Freeman

Laynee Gomez

Kendsey Hill

Jordon Keeton

Taylor Nowlin

Loriann Olson

Kama-Lei Santiago

Shea Smith

Sierra Smith

Megan Stevens

Camree Wartman

Grand Canyon University Athletics