GAME ONE BOX | GAME TWO BOX | PHOTO GALLERY
SEATTLE – (April 20) Seattle University softball got stellar pitching from Carley Nance and Shianne Smith, but Grand Canyon came away with a pair of one-run decisions Friday at Logan Field. The Redhawks fell by scores of 4-3 and 3-2 (nine innings) in a Western Athletic Conference (WAC) doubleheader.
"We got two great outings today," said Coach Geoff Hirai. "We fought back in both games and missed some opportunities. We'll come back tomorrow and try to win one for our seniors."
In the first game of the day, Nance retired the first seven hitters in order. After the visitors scored a run in the top of the third, SU (30-19, 8-3 WAC) answered with two runs. GCU (24-22. 5-5 WAC) got two outs, but the Redhawks put five straight on base to plate a pair. Ally Choate singled to right and Madison Cathcart followed with her 19th double of the year. Choate slid back into third after a rundown on the play, keeping the inning alive. Susanne Morris drew a walk to load the bases. A Kaylee Ree RBI single tied the game. Maddy Kristjanson put the hosts ahead with a base hit to center, scoring Cathcart.
As the game continued, Nance sat down 10 of 11 Lope batters, holding a one-run margin into the seventh frame. GCU came up with three runs in the seventh, though, going up, 4-2.
Seattle U was not done, however, as it battled to rally in the bottom of the inning. Choate singled through the right side with one out and Cathcart walked. A Morris single loaded the bases. Ree’s fielder’s choice brought in a run in exchange for the second out of the frame. Kristjanson earned a walk to fill the bases again, but the visitors got the last out to hang on for a 4-3 victory.
Nance pitched a complete game, allowing two earned runs and five hits. SU tallied 12 hits, as Choate and Ree had three each.
Smith pitched a gem in the second game Friday, setting a new career high with nine strikeouts. The freshman retired 10 in a row early in the game, and after a walk and a single, she put down nine straight to get through seven innings. Unfortunately, GCU held down the Redhawk offense, as the game went scoreless after regulation.
The Lopes scored twice in the eighth, but SU had an answer its half of the frame. Kristjanson walked to lead off and Silvan singled up the middle. Bailey Thompson lashed a triple off the wall in right centerfield, tying the game at 2. The visitors escaped without further damage, though, forcing a ninth inning.
Grand Canyon scored again in the top of the ninth. The Redhawks loaded the bases in the bottom of the inning, but GCU sneaked away with another one-run win.
Smith pitched eight innings, striking out nine and walking just one. Thompson led the offense with two hits and two RBIs.
The teams will play a single game tomorrow. First pitch is slated for 2 p.m. with senior day festivities following the conclusion of the home finale.