Feb. 26, 2005

Final Stats

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. - Freshman Kayla Meeks threw four scoreless innings of relief in her collegiate debut, but the LMU softball team could not overcome a 4-0 first inning deficit, and fell to Northwestern, 5-2, at the Palm Springs Classic. Lisa Abbott recorded two hits in the game for LMU, who falls to 1-2 overall. Northwestern improves to 10-3.

The Lions dug themselves in a 4-0 hole in the first inning. The Wildcats used two singles, a leadoff walk, a double and a triple to score the runs off of Lion starter Samantha Lavino. Lavino was able to get the first two batters out in the second inning, but a single and a triple gave Northwestern a 5-0 lead after the top of the second.

LMU got on the board in the third inning. With two outs, Danielle Kaminaka reached first base on an error by the NU third baseman. Caylin Hornish drove Kaminaka home on a double to left center to make it a 5-1 game.

Abbott led off the fifth inning with a single, and Margo Pineda reached first on a fielder's choice. After an out, Pineda used her speed to steal second base. Hornish reached first base on a throwing error by the pitcher, and Pineda was able to come around and score to make it a 5-2 game.

Meeks replaced Lavino in the third inning, and made a strong debut. She allowed just two hits in the final four innings of the game, giving the Lions an opportunity to come back.

The Lions face their toughest challenge in their final two games of the tournament. LMU will face #3 Texas in the second game of the day on Saturday, and #1 California on Sunday.