FULLERTON, Calif.,-- The Loyola Marymount softball team opened its 2019 season going 2-0 on the first day of play, as the team pulled a 3-2 win over Utah State, followed by a sweep over Idaho State 1-0 at the Titan Classic in Fullerton, Calif. 
 
"I was pleased with our pitching today," said head coach Sami Strinz-Ward. "Hannah did a really nice job in game one, and Sam did a great job in game two. We left too many runners on, but I'm still pleased with the types of swings we took today. We talked about some ways to improve and I'm looking forward to seeing those adjustments tomorrow."
 
LMU opened its first game of the season against Utah State. Hannah Bandimere set the tone for the Lions, as she pitched 6.2 scoreless innings. 
 
Andrea Gonzalez went 2-3 with a run, while Molly Grumbo and Irma Sanchez also put a run on the board for the Lions. Delanie Wisz, Grumbo and Riley Ehlen all had an RBI off of Kapri Toone. 
 
Utah state scored twice in the top of the sixth inning, but that wasn't enough, as Bandimere came back to close out the game, picking up her first win of the season. 
 
The Lions maintained momentum in their second game against Idaho State, as they swept the Bengals 1-0.
 
 Samantha Manti had a two hit complete game shutout to get her first win as a Lion. Irma Sanchez determined the game for the Lions, as she went 3-4 with an RBI. Sanchez drove in Hailey Jackson in the fourth for the only run of the game.
 
The Lions will be back in action tomorrow to continue their stint at the Titan Classic, as they will take on Northwestern at 3:00 pm.