GCU looks to claim first WAC series at UMKC

FRIDAY, APRIL 7- SATURDAY, APRIL 8
UMKC ROOS 10-25 (0-0 WAC) SERIES RELEASE	vs.	GRAND CANYON LOPES 26-13 (0-0 WAC) SERIES RELEASE

GAME ONE	GAME TWO	GAME THREE
Friday, 2 p.m. MST	Saturday, 11 a.m. MST	Saturday, 1 p.m. MST
Stats	Stats	Stats

GCU will look to claim its first WAC series as they travel to Kansas City, Mo. to meet UMKC on Apr. 7-8.

The Lopes will open the series Friday, Apr. 7 in a single game clash at 2 p.m. MST. GCU will continue weekend action with a doubleheader contest on Saturday, Apr. 8 at 11:00 a.m. MST and 1:00.

LEADING OFF

A year ago, GCU lost the series to the Roos in the opening weekend of WAC play. The Lopes and UMKC tied for second in the WAC at the conclusion of the 2016 campaign.

Among its WAC counterparts, GCU sits at the top of the conference in several categories. Niki Gonzalez leads in doubles (13), while Shea Smith leads in runs scored (29). Taylor Nowlin commands the strikeout (102), wins (14) and opposing batting average (.241) categories. Brianna Aguilar-Beaucage leads the league in ERA (2.86).

GCU's performance on the field has continued to draw national recognition. The Lopes sit at No.15 with .54 double plays turned per game. They also occupy No.29 with 58 2Bs this year.

With 58 doubles on the season, the Lopes offensive firepower has been most visible in the doubles category. GCU is No.29 in the country with the tally. The Lopes have three players in double-figures. Gonzalez (13) Camree Wartman (11) and Shea Smith (10). Gonzalez leads the Lopes and is tied for sixth in the country.

Senior LHP Taylor Nowlin currently sits at 14-6. She picked up her 14th win against Seattle U on Saturday after throwing a 1-hitter in the 8-0 shutout win. Nowlin remains in the top 30 in victories. She is tied for No. 27 in the NCAA with the record. She also has 102 strikeouts on the season through 108.0 IP. Through 8-of-12 complete contests, Nowlin has held opponents to five hits or less.

For the first time in the softball program's Division I history, GCU received Top 25 votes in the ESPN.COM/USA Softball national poll. In Week 5, the Lopes received two votes after improving to 23-4 in the Stanford Easton Classic.

Last time out

In the opening weekend of WAC play, GCU suffered as series loss to Seattle U after falling in both contests in Friday's doubleheader. The Lopes bounced back in the series finale. GCU came out on fire dropping Seattle U 8-0 in 5.0 innings for its first conference win.

On the weekend, Jenna Coates led on offense hitting .444 (4-of-9) with two doubles.

Nowlin threw a 1-hitter on Saturday, tallying six Ks in the shutout.

Sizing up the Opponents

Scouting UMKC

Grand Canyon will meet UMKC for the 10th time in program history. The Lopes have the advantage in the all-time series at 6-3. GCU suffered its first series loss to UMKC last year in opening weekend of WAC play. The Roos are currently 10-25 on the year and undefeated in WAC play after sweeping CSU Bakersfield.
Kendra Leach leads the team with a .396 BA (38-of-96). She has tallied seven doubles, four triples and two home runs. She has a .615 slugging percentage.
In the circle, Lynsey Conner (3-9) leads UMKC with 19 strikeouts. She currently has a 6.56 ERA and has held batters to a .353 b/avg.
Head coach Meredith Smith Neal is currently in her 10th season at the helm of the Roo program.

Up Next

GCU returns home to host CSU Bakersfield in its second WAC home series on April 14-15. The Lopes will play a doubleheader on Friday, Apr. 14 at 5 p.m. MST and 7:30. The Lopes finish the series on Saturday, Apr.15 at 5.

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Brianna Aguilar

Jenna Coates

Maddie Dowdle

Niki Gonzalez

Taylor Nowlin

Shea Smith

Sierra Smith

Camree Wartman

Grand Canyon University Athletics