Lopes sweep NJC in Region IX opener
The Lamar Community College softball team completed a four-game sweep against Northeastern Junior College on Sunday in the opening Region IX match up.
Saturday, March 18
The Runnin' Lopes (10-12) began the four-game series with a 16-5 victory over the Plainswomen. After scoring six runs in the first inning, LCC continued its offensive attack by recording 19 hits in the game. Sophomore Desiree Ramirez led the Runnin' Lopes with four RBIs, going 2-for-3, while sophomore Mariah Lopez went 4-for-4 in the contest with two RBIs. Freshman Mercedes Salazar also hit a three-run homerun the second inning. Freshman Lauren Reed threw the win for the Lopes, striking out five.
In the second game, freshman Larissa Royer threw her first shutout of the year to lead the Lopes to 4 -0 win. Freshman Samantha McDonald was a strong leadoff batter for the Runnin' Lopes, going 2-for-2 with a stolen base. Royer also contributed offensively, going 3-for-3 with a two-run homerun in the bottom of the second inning.
Sunday, March 19
On Sunday, the Runnin' Lopes continued their offensive drive recording 15 hits and six doubles in an 8-5 win in the third game. All nine of LCC's batters recorded at least one hit in the game and freshman pitcher Lauren Reed recorded the win while going 2-for-4 at the plate with a triple and a double.
In the final game of the series, an eight-run fourth inning spurred the Runnin' Lopes to a 9-1 victory to complete the sweep. In the bottom of the fourth, sophomore Kelsee Bushell, hit a two-run home run, followed shortly by a two-run shot by Salazar. Reed also hit her second triple of the day, while freshman Shaelyn Bachini had the game-winning RBI for LCC to close it out in five innings. Royer received the win, allowing one earned run in the contest.
The Runnin' Lopes will play again on Wednesday, March 22nd, in a double header at Trinidad State. They will be back at home this weekend to take on Western Nebraska Community College in another Region IX match up.