TUCSON. – The Loyola Marymount University softball team (4-6) defeated UC Santa Barbara Gauchos for the second time in two days, 9-2.
 
The Lions have been shooting straight out of the gate in the first inning all weekend. Today was no different as the bottom of the 1^st inning was amazing.
 
LMU was able to take advantage of the Gauchos poor pitching performance with full bases early in the first inning. LMU was able to score their first three runs off walks and a sacrifice bunt from Andrea Gonzalez.
 
The Lions defense played phenomenal holding the Gauchos to zero points and only one hit throughout the first three innings.
 
In the bottom of the third inning, Arianna Jaurequi was able to drive a single down left field line, allowing Jasmine Sofowora to score another run to make the score, 4-0.
 
The Gauchos did fight back after nailing a 2 RBI home run to increase the Lions lead to just two points.
 
However, the Lions would quickly respond back as Sofowora bombed a double to center field, bringing in Megan Dedrick for the Lions fifth run.
 
After getting on base, Sofowora was able to use her excellent base running skills to advance to third off a wild pitch and score off a Gauchos error.
 
Headded into the fifth inning with the lead, 6-2, The Lions were not done making their statement yet. Jaurequi was able to score a run on a wild pitch, while Dedrick hit an RBI single to seal the deal.
 
The Lions finished with seven total hits, compared to the Gauchos four. Megan Dedrick finished 2-3 at the plate, scoring two runs and batting in 1 RBI off a double. Jasmine Sofowora went 1-2 at the plate today, also scoring two runs and batting in 1 RBI off a double. Arianna Jaurequi performed well at the plate also, finishing 2-4 while scoring a run and nailing an RBI.
 
Logan Caymol is now 1-1, as she pitched 4.0 innings, and allowed three hits and two runs. Savannah Hooks pitched 3.0 innings, allowing one hit and no runs, nailing two strikeouts. 
 
The Lions will travel to Palm Springs, Calif. for the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic on Friday, Feb. 26 to face No 6. Ranked Washington at 8:30 p.m. PST.