Hot start fizzles in loss to Arizona

Wednesday, April 19

Phoenix, Ariz.

6 p.m.

Grand Canyon

34-10

Arizona

25-18

Arizona

Grand Canyon

4/19/2023 10:30:00 PM | Softball

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Lopes drop early lead for 8-3 loss to Wildcats

By: Adrianna Candelaria

After defeating Arizona State 3-2 on Tuesday night, the Grand Canyon softball team faced another traditional in-state power, Arizona, for another midweek matchup that the Lopes led before coming up short 8-3 on Wednesday night at GCU Softball Stadium.

The Lopes (34-10) hit the ground running against the Wildcats (25-18) in the first inning, not only forcing a double play to face the minimum in the top half but reinforcing the early momentum with a three-run home run by senior designated player Ramsay Lopez.

"We had a great start, but Arizona found holes in the third inning," Lopes head coach Shanon Hays said. "One unfortunate moment compounded a bad inning to put us behind, and we just didn't receive the same way after that."

GCU put together an immediate threat with senior centter fielder Hannah Burnett's leadoff walk being followed by junior shortstop Katelyn Dunckel sending a single down the left-field line. After an out, Burnett and Dunckel each moved up on a double steal to set up Lopez giving the Lopes a 3-0 lead with a shot over the left-center wall. It was Lopez's 14th home run of the season.

A five-run inning in the top of the third gave Arizona the edge, as GCU struggled to string additional runs on the board through the remainder of the game. Six of the Wildcats' eight runs were scored under the pressure of two outs.

A lively crowd of 971 fans marked the highest-attended Lopes home game since April 13, 2019.

The Lopes managed the most runs in a matchup against the Wildcats in 13 all-time meetings.

GCU will be back on the field Friday for a WAC series-opening doubleheader (4:30 p.m.) versus Seattle U and will host the series finale on Saturday at 1 p.m.