May 7, 2003

Final PCSC Standings

Los Angeles, CA (May 7) -- The Loyola Marymount University softball team claimed the inaugural Pacific Coast Softball Conference title on Tuesday. The Lions ended regular season play with a conference record of 14-5 and an overall record of 33-20.

The battle for the first PCSC title could not have been better scripted, as five of the six conference teams were in the running through the final weekend of play. Loyola Marymount was determined the conference champion after sweeping a tripleheader against Saint Mary's on Sunday and watching Santa Clara (30-26, 12-6 PCSC) drop a doubleheader to Saint Mary's (25-27, 7-12 PCSC) on Tuesday.

LMU defeated Saint Mary's 4-3 in game one on Sunday, 11-0 in game two and completed the sweep with a 13-2 win in the final game. It was the Lions' most impressive offensive performance of the season, compiling 28 runs on 39 hits.

Santa Clara, who finishes second in the PCSC, had a chance to claim the title Tuesday evening against Saint Mary's for the conference championship. However, the Gaels' spoiled the Broncos' attempt for the title, scoring three runs in the seventh inning of the first game of a doubleheader for a 3-0 win, and took the night cap 2-0 at Cottrell Field in Moraga.

The Lions dominated the PCSC offensively, leading the six-team conference in nine offensive categories. LMU led the league in batting average, hitting better than .287 on the season overall. Sophomore Danielle Kaminaka was second in the league with a .333 batting average.

LMU also led the league in runs scored (210), doubles (94), total bases (657), hits (418), slugging percentage (.451), on base percentage (.346), RBIs (199) and home runs (45). The Lions dominated the doubles category, having the top seven in the PCSC, including junior Sami Strinz with a conference-best 16. Kaminaka is ranked 30th in the nation and led the PCSC with 13 home runs. She also led the conference with 35 RBI.

The NCAA Division I Management Council Administrative Committee announced the approval of the Pacific Coast Softball Conference for Division I conference membership in women's softball on October 17, 2002. The conference is comprised of six schools: Sacramento State, Loyola Marymount, Portland State, Saint Mary's, Santa Clara, and San Diego.

Rounding out the PCSC at the conclusion of the season are Portland State (19-29, 10-8 PCSC), Sacramento State (30-26, 9-9 PCSC), Saint Mary's (23-27, 5-12 PCSC), and San Diego (8-40, 3-15 PCSC).

- GO LIONS -