GCU tallies 11 hits in win over Montana

Saturday, March 5

Phoenix, Ariz.

3 p.m.

Grand Canyon

15-3

Montana

8-11

Montana

Grand Canyon

3/5/2022 5:56:00 PM | Softball

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Lopes pick up 5th run-rule victory

By: Kellie Reynolds

The Grand Canyon softball team took on Montana on Saturday afternoon after taking it to the bottom of the seventh the night before. It was a different story in game two as the Lopes put up five runs in the first inning and added four more in the bottom of the fourth to earn the 9-1 five inning run rule win.

The Lopes started off the bottom of the first inning as left fielder Gianna Nicoletti singled and was moved to third on a single up the middle by center fielder Stephanie Reed. A fielder's choice on a ground ball by first baseman Denae Chatman scored Nicoletti. Right fielder Kristin Fifield singled to left field bringing in one more for the Lopes. Junior Annie Villalobos hit a three-run shot to left center for her first homerun as Lope and giving GCU a 5-0 lead.

Right-hander Jacie Hambrick kept tossed three scoreless innings. The Grizzles managed to hang one run on the scoreboard in the top of the fourth inning. GCU however responded in the bottom half of the inning. With one out second baseman Macee Barnes started the Lopes rally with a single through the left side. Nicoletti followed with a single to shortstop and moved Barnes to third. Stealing her 17th base of the season was Nicoletti setting up second and third for Reed. Both Barnes and Nicoletti scored on a single up the middle from Reed. Chatman followed with a two out single up the middle putting runners on second and third. The Lopes scored their final runs of the game as Fifield singled to left center scoring Reed and Chatman.

Hambrick managed to hold the Grizzles off and secure her seventh win of the season.