Feb. 14, 2016 Box Score
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PHOENIX - LMU softball's hot offense was stymied in its final game of the GCU Kickoff Tournament as host Grand Canyon claimed an 8-0 shutout of the Lions Sunday morning.
The Lions conclude their opening weekend of play with a 4-1 record while Grand Canyon remains unbeaten at 5-0.
"Unfortunately, we didn't demonstrate our core value of competing today," Head Coach Sami Strinz-Ward said. "We got challenged by a scrappy team and we didn't match them. We will use this as a learning opportunity moving forward."
The Lopes jumped on starting pitcher Hannah Bandimere (1-1) early, knocking out five hits for three runs in the bottom of the first inning. With just one out recorded, Rachael Farrington came in to relieve Bandimere and quickly settled in to get the final two outs of the inning.
Grand Canyon would add single runs in the second and third to make it 5-0, before tacking on three more in the fifth to end the game early.
The Lion offense never got going as Grand Canyon pitcher Taylor Nowlin struck out three, walked one and did not allow a hit over the five-inning game.
"We were able to talk about the lessons from today's loss and will work on making the necessary adjustments before we head to Palm Spring this weekend," said Strinz-Ward. "One bright note was Rachael coming in and doing a good job in relief. We will get better at stepping up to challenges and believing in our abilities the next time we are tested."
Next up for the Lions is the first of back-to-back tournament in Palm Springs, Calif. Play at the Palm Spring Invitational begins Friday, Feb. 19 when LMU takes on New Mexico and Army.
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