March 8, 2009

Box Score

Los Angeles - LMU salvaged a split at the Courtyard by Marriott L.A. Westside Tournament on Sunday, getting its first shutout win of the season, 3-0 over Seattle in the tournament finale. Junior Melissa Dykema and freshman Sam Fischer combined on a six-hitter while senior Megan Ackerman crushed her fourth homer of the season as the Lions (11-13) finished the tournament 2-2.

In the fourth and final matchup this season between the Lions and Redhawks, the fourth inning proved to be the turning point as Seattle (6-8) left the bases loaded while LMU grabbed the lead in the bottom half of the frame. In the top half, Dykema loaded the bases on two hits and a walk but got Lauren Carlson to pop up to first to end the inning. Ackerman got things going in the home half with a two-out double, scoring two batters later on a single by junior Christine Foley.

Ackerman gave the Lions a two-run cushion in the sixth with a lead-off homer. Three batters later, sophomore Amy Charpentier kept things going with a double and came home on senior MiaSarah Cesena's single.

Dykema (5-5) got the win with five innings of four-hit work. Fischer picked up her first career save but not before Seattle made her work. Two hits and a walk loaded the bases with one out and the Redhawks had the go-ahead run at the plate but Fischer struck out Sandra Hernandez and Cassie Cueto to end the game.

Ackerman finished 2-for-3 with two runs scored while junior J.J. Hartung also had two of LMU's nine hits.

LMU heads out on the road next week for its final of six tournaments, the USF-Under Armour Showcase in Clearwater, FL. The Lions open play on Friday against Central Michigan and the hosts South Florida.

- GO LIONS -