Feb. 28, 2016 LMU vs. Colorado State Box Score
LMU vs. Fresno State Box Score
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CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. - LMU softball closed out play at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic in a big way, taking down No. 20 Fresno State, 8-3, Sunday afternoon in Cathedral City, Calif.
Along with a 4-3 setback to Colorado State earlier in the day, the Lions concluded the weekend with a 3-2 record, bringing their season mark to 9-6. Fresno State fell for just the third time all season with the loss to the Lions.
"We had another hiccup in our first game and didn't come out competing like we should have," said Head Coach Sami Strinz-Ward. "We had a late attempt at a comeback but couldn't quite get it done. However, we answered back very well in the second game against Fresno State. We blistered the ball and swung with intent."
LMU jumped on Bulldog starter Hannah Harris early as Meghan von Behren led off the game with a single up the middle and would later score on a Shianne Ybarra single to first base.
The Lions added two more runs in the fourth, using three hits and a Fresno State fielding error to push their lead to 3-0.
After holding the Bulldogs scoreless through the first three innings, Hannah Bandimere (5-3) finally surrendered one run on three hits in the bottom of the fourth. But von Behren answered right back for the Lions with a solo home run in the fifth.
A Kierra Willis two-run home run in the bottom of the fifth trimmed LMU's lead to one, 4-3. But Rachael Farrington entered in relief to get the final out of the inning, and the Lion battery responded once again in the sixth.
Crist delivered a solo home run to lead off the inning and three batters later, Nicole Clowdus knocked one out of the park for two more runs. With the bases cleared, pitch hitter Amanda Dirks provided the final punch with a solo shot to conclude the four-run inning.
Farrington walked one and allowed one hit over the final two frames, not allowing a runner past first, as the Lions completed the upset.
"It was nice to see so many long balls today," said Strinz-Ward. "Hannah and Rachael worked together to secure that win for us. Our whole offense contributed in the victory. We will continue to work on bringing that focus against every opponent."
The Lions make a quick pit stop at Smith Field for their 2016 home opener on Tuesday, March 1, hosting Saint Peters in a doubleheader beginning at noon. They head back out on the road next weekend for a tournament at Sacramento State.
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