April 5, 2012

LOS ANGELES Pacific Coast Softball Conference action continues this week for the LMU softball team as they travel to Cal State Bakersfield for a four-game set. The teams face off on Friday, Apr. 6 beginning at noon before concluding the series with a noon second doubleheader on Saturday, Apr. 7.

The Lions sit at 24-13 overall, but suffered a slight setback by going 2-2 against Santa Clara to open PCSC play last week. That result puts LMU in a tie for third with the Broncos in the Coastal Division headed into this week's play. Saint Mary's sits atop the standings at 3-0 (with one game to make up against Sacramento State), followed by San Diego in second at 3-1.

Olivia Alvarez was a bright spot for the Lions last week, leading the team with a .556 batting average. The junior, who saw time behind the plate and as the designated hitter, went 5-for-9 with eight RBIs, four runs, four walks and a home run. Her big game was the third in the series when she blasted a three-run home run in her first at-bat. It was her second long ball of the season and gave LMU a 3-0 lead in the first. That proved all the runs the Lions would need in a 9-1, six-inning win. She was selective in her pitches, drawing four walks, while also striking out just once.

Senior shortstop Sam Fischer continues to rank among the nation's best in numerous statistical categories. She leads all NCAA Division I players in on-base percentage (.647) while also ranking No. 2 in batting average (.530) and slugging percentage (1.14). She comes in third in home runs (15), seventh in home runs per game (.041) and ninth in doubles per game (.038).

This week's opponent, Cal State Bakersfield, enters the series at 8-26 overall and 1-3 in the PCSC after opening league play against San Diego last week. The Roadrunners are batting .261 as a team as opposing pitchers are holding them to just 2.26 earned runs per game. Laura King leads the `Runner offense, batting .386 with a team-best 44 hits, including three doubles and one home run. Karissa Veiga is batting .349 and is tied for the team-high with four doubles. Shay Fryer has a team-high 21 RBIs.

In the pitching circle, Sarah Hoag has appeared in 90.1 innings, going 4-15 with a 5.66 ERA. Also seeing action are Marissa Hiller (2-8, 8.51 ERA) and Taylor DeSilva (2-3, 4.67 ERA). The `Runner pitching staff has combined for 51 strikeouts and 118 walks.

LMU's series history with CSUB dates back to the 1986 season and features a 14-8 advantage for the Lions. The teams have met consistently over the past four seasons, including back-to-back four-game sweeps for LMU in 2010 and 2011. The Lions also hold a 6-3 all-time advantage when playing in Bakersfield.