PALM SPRINGS, CA – The Lions split their first day at the Mary Nutter Classic with a win, 11-7, to Rutgers and a loss to No. 5 Tennessee, 4-0. 
 
Game 1: 
 
The Lions came out hot in the initial match as Avery Francis doubled through the left side, placing them on the diamond. Shortly after, Izzy Jamgotchian's center-field home run secured two RBIs, giving the Lions a 2-0 lead. In the inning's conclusion, the Scarlet Knights managed to score a run, narrowing the gap to one. 
 
The second inning was big for LMU as they surged, accumulating seven runs from Lilliana Thomas, Sakora Harvell, Lauryn Carter, Adele Braun, Elisa Rosado, and Francis. This extended the lead to five, creating a challenging situation for the Scarlet Knights. 
 
The Scarlet Knights tried to come back in the third and fifth innings, where they scored three runs, but the Lions maintained control. Adele Braun's home run contributed the final two runs for the Lions. Rutgers responded with three runs of their own, but it fell short of overcoming the Lions lead. 

Lindsay O'Dell would be the winning pitcher of the game.
 
Game 2: 
 
In a face-off against fifth-ranked Tennessee, Jenna Perez and the Lions defense had a great performance in the initial three innings, successfully preventing any runs, hits, or errors. 
 
However, the momentum shifted in the fourth inning when the Volunteers secured a double to center field, marking the game's first run. Following closely, Tennessee added another run with a successful fly out to second base. 
 
The tide turned decisively in the bottom of the fifth inning as the Volunteers launched two home runs, ultimately clinching the victory over the Lions. 
 
The Lions will play again tomorrow against Bethune-Cookman and Northwestern University.

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