Final Stats

Riverside, Calif. - The Lions, who are now 5-9 on the season, headed out for a day trip to UC Riverside. The bats were working today, but executing at the plate and on defense was what won the game the Lions. LMU had 9 hits on the day, but Lindsey Matoi's double in the third inning helped propel the Lions to victory.

Caitlin Harman led off the game with a single up the middle that set the tone for the Lions offense. But it would be UCR who got on the board in the first, taking a 2-0 lead, before Hannah Bandimere shut them down.

In the 3rd inning Matoi, who went 2-for-2 on the day, started a rally starter, with a double down the left field line. Taylor Lockwood then executed a bunt and beat it out for a hit. Lockwood promptly stole second to put two runners in scoring position. Harman got her second hit of the game, scoring both runners on her clutch single through the right side. Katie Manley got into a 2-1 count when coach put on the hit and run. Manley ripped a single through the right side and Harman was able to go first to third on the play. By the end of third inning, LMU had stormed back to take a 3-2 lead.

"Our offense did a pretty good job executing different things we had worked on in practice this week," said Head Coach Sami Strinz-Ward. "I was pretty happy with how we struck the ball today."

In the bottom of the 7th UCR threatened to take the lead from the Lions. UCR had the winning run at the plate, and the batter hit a deep fly ball to center. Amanda Dirks, who was playing in to keep the runner on first from scoring, had to drop step straight back to make an over the should, running catch at the fence for the final out of the game and secure the win for the Lions.

In the circle Hannah Bandimere threw her 4th complete game, and picked up her 4th win of the year. "I thought Hannah did a great job for us in the circle, added Head Coach Sami Strinz-Ward. "I've been impressed with her growth in just a year's time. She's emerging as a leader for us."

LMU is back home Tuesday for a double header against Boston University. The first pitch is scheduled for noon.