Runnin' Lopes Drops 3 Close Games to Otero, Win 1

The Lamar Community College softball team went 1 for 4 this past week against Otero Junior College, losing 3 close games to the Rattlers.

Sunday, April 14 – In the first game of the series LCC scored 3 runs early on but was unable to hold off the OJC offense at the end of the game, losing 4-6. Kasey Cruz, Rheanna Will, and Christa Ramirez all smacked doubles and recorded RBIs for the Lopes. Sophomore pitcher, Emily Womeldorff, threw a complete game allowing 4 earned runs and striking out 2. In game two, the Runnin' Lopes offense exploded in a 13-5 victory over Otero. At the plate, freshman Kaitlyn Rickey led the drive, going 2 for 3 including a grand slam and 5 RBIs. A combined pitching staff of Christa Ramirez, Katelyn Reagin and Emily Womeldorff completed the game for the Lopes, allowing 3 earned runs and striking out 4.

 Monday, April 15^th – On Monday, the Runnin' Lopes dropped a 5-4 lead going into the bottom of the 7^th inning, losing the first game 6-5.  Freshman Alicia Fraire went 2 for 3 at the plate with two doubles and sophomore Mykenzie Ferran hit her second homerun of the season, driving in 2 RBIs. Four errors on defense gave OJC the advantage, as Womeldorff and Ramirez allowed only 3 earned runs in the circle. In the second game, LCC couldn't outhit the Ratter offense, losing 10-13. Kasey Cruz and Rheanna Will both smack homeruns, while Ferran and Alayna Georgio also contributed doubles. However, 5 errors on the Runnin' Lopes defense gave Otero extra chances at the plate in the loss.

 LCC is now 17-23 overall and 9-13 in conference. The Runnin' Lopes will play on the road this weekend in a double header against Northeastern Junior College (21-21, 6-18) on Friday and double header against Western Nebraska (24-18, 16-6) on Saturday.