Lopes drop 2 in GCU Kickoff

Friday, February 7

Phoenix, Ariz.

4:30 p.m.

Grand Canyon

0-2

Weber State

2-0

Grand Canyon

Weber State

2/7/2020 11:56:00 PM | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2 Photo Gallery

Weber State wins on walk-off; Stanford takes 3-0 victory again

The Grand Canyon softball team dropped both games in Day 2 of the GCU Kickoff Tournament on Friday, losing 7-6 on a walk-off hit to Weber State before falling 3-0 to Stanford in the nightcap at GCU Softball Stadium.

"It's been a rough start and certainly not what i was expecting. But we are a talented group with a lot of tools and weapons. We are just figuring out some identity things which will allow fir more consistent performances and outcomes. I am looking forward to three more tough games this weekend, " said head coach Ann Pierson.

Against Weber State, the Lopes took an early lead by hanging two runs on the board in the first inning off back-to-back singles from sophomore shortstop Savannah Tourville and senior second baseman Loriann Olson with the bases loaded. Weber State pushed a run across in the bottom of the second to make it a one-run ball game.

Freshman center fielder Mickey Covarrubio got the Lopes going in the top of the fourth, recording her second single in her college debut. Covarrubio scored on a fielder's choice to give the Lopes a 3-1 lead. With runners on second and third, GCU junior designated player Kaileigh Holland laced it up the middle to bring home freshmen outfielders Brooke Cantillo and Jaiden Reid. However, Weber State responded with four runs in the bottom of the fourth tie the game at 5-5.

The Lopes managed to score a go-ahead run in the top of the seventh, when sophomore third baseman Taylor Olsen scored on an infield single by Cantillo.

The 6-5 lead was not enough to secure the win as Weber State tied the game up with a single up the middle and added a walk-off single with runners on first and second base.

Stanford wins 3-0 in nightcap

GCU's second game Friday was more of a pitcher's duel. Stanford got on the board first in the top of the third inning, scoring one run on two hits. The Cardinal hung its second run of the game in the fourth inning.

The Lopes started a rally in the bottom of the fourth when Reid reached on an error to be the Lopes' first baserunner but GCU could not capitalize.

Stanford got its final run in the top of the seventh to take a 3-0 lead a lead heading into the bottom of the seventh. Freshman pinch hitter Olivia Zufelt tried to get GCU's offense going as she recorded her first career hit as a Lope with a double to the right-center gap. Unfortunately, Zufelt was left stranded on second for Stanford's second 3-0 victory against GCU in as many nights.

In her first start of the season, GCU junior pitcher Yessie Morrison allowed two earned runs in a complete-game effort.

GCU is back in action Saturday as the Lopes host New Mexico at 3:30 p.m. in the third day of the GCU Kickoff Tournament at GCU Softball Stadium.