The Runnin’ Lopes Open Region IX Play, Split with NJC

Thursday, February 28^th-

In the Region IX opener against Northeastern Junior College, the Lamar Community College softball team took two from the Plainswomen, 11-3 (5 innings) and 9-1 (5 innings). In the first game, the Runnin' Lopes strung together 12 hits, including 4 doubles (Raylene Anaya, Alexis Johnson, Morgan Reed, Megan Sandoval) and RBIs from 7 of 9 batters in the LCC lineup (Alicia Fraire -2, Christa Ramirez, Kasey Cruz -3, Rheanna Will, Alexis Johnson, Morgan Reed -2, Megan Sandoval). Sophomore pitcher Emily Womeldorff struck out six and allowed 2 earned runs in the circle, securing the win for the Lopes. LCC bats continued to stay hot in the second game, recording 9 hits and four doubles (Raylene Anaya, Christa Ramirez, Kasey Cruz, Rheanna Will). Sophomores Kasey Cruz, Alexis Johnson, and Megan Sandoval all drove in multiple RBIs in the second match up, while freshman pitcher Christa Ramirez threw the win, striking out 6 and allowing 1 earned run.

Friday, March 1^st-

In day two, LCC fell short to NJC in both games losing 8-9 and 5-6. Despite a mid-game rally for the Runnin' Lopes in game one, LCC was unable to bounce back from an early 8 run lead by the Plainswomen. Sophomore Kasey Cruz and freshman Rheanna Will both contributed 3 hits for the Lopes including a triple for Cruz and homerun for Will, while sophomore catcher, Megan Sandoval, drove in 4 runs including a 3 run homerun. In the second game, LCC gave up a 4 run leading in the bottom of the 7^th inning allowing NJC to win game four of the series. Sophomore Alexis Johnson and freshman Johnette Sandoval both contributed 2 hits to the Runnin' Lopes offense, and Christa Ramirez took the loss in the circle, striking out two.

The Runnin' Lopes are now 2-2 in conference and 7-9 overall. LCC will play at home again this week in a Region IX match up against McCook Community College (1-3, 5-9). Game times are 1 & 3 on Thursday and 11 & 1 on Friday at Citizen's Field.