LOS ANGELES – LMU softball dropped both games of a home doubleheader to a hot-hitting Fresno State team on Tuesday afternoon at Smith Field. Despite early sparks from the Lions (20-26), the Bulldogs (34-18) used timely offense and strong pitching to come away with wins of 3-1 and 7-2.
Game One: Fresno State 3, LMU 1
Freshman Analiah Lummus delivered the Lions' biggest swing of the opener, blasting her first career home run—a solo shot to left field in the third inning—to cut into an early Bulldog lead. LMU's offense collected six hits in the game, with Justine Lambert and Jasmine Sofowora each recording singles and Arianna Jaurequi adding a double.
However, Fresno State did their damage in the second inning, as Marissa Montelongo connected on a three-run homer—the Bulldogs' only hit off LMU starter Jessica Hubbard (7-13), who allowed just three runs over four innings. Kealani Caster followed with three scoreless innings of relief to keep the Lions within striking distance.
Despite a pair of promising rallies, LMU left five runners stranded and couldn't push across another run against Fresno starter Serayah Neiss, who went the distance with seven strikeouts to earn the win.
Game Two: Fresno State 7, LMU 2
The nightcap opened with more offense from both sides. Fresno State jumped ahead with two runs in the top of the first, but the Lions answered immediately in the bottom half. A two-run single up the middle by Sakora Harvell brought home Justine Lambert and Izzy Jamgotchian to even the score at 2–2.
That momentum didn't last long, as the Bulldogs responded with single runs in the next three innings and added two more in the fourth to build a 6-2 advantage. LMU threatened in the fifth with a bunt single by Lambert and a hit from Jamgotchian, but a flyout ended the inning.
Jamgotchian reached base three times in the game, while Lambert collected two hits and stole two bases. Jaurequi and Mika Chong each added a base knock, but the Lions were held scoreless over the final six innings by Fresno starter Keyannah Pu'a and a pair of relievers.
Lauren Almeida powered the Bulldogs' lineup with a homer and double, while Olivia Hill added a solo home run in the fifth.
Jessica Hubbard pitched three innings of relief for LMU, allowing just one run while striking out two.
