March 7, 2009

Box Score

Los Angeles -LMU's first game against a Pacific Coast Softball Conference foe this season did not end up as intended as Saint Mary's handed the Lions a 6-2 defeat in a non-conference game at the Courtyard by Marriott L.A. Westside Tournament on Saturday at Smith Field. The Lions (10-13) fall to 1-2 in the tournament, which concludes Sunday at 2 p.m. against Seattle.

Coming off a split in Friday's contests, the Lions were looking to gather some momentum against a Saint Mary's team that they will see again in the conference opener April 4-5 at Smith Field. They did just that early, jumping out to a 1-0 lead on senior Kirsten Slouber's RBI single in the third. After Slouber put them on the board, though, the Lions wasted a golden chance to add to their lead as they failed to add to their tally with the bases loaded and one out.

The score remained at 1-0 until the Saint Mary's fifth, when the Gaels finally got to junior Melissa Dykema (4-5) with a six-run frame. The Gaels (6-10) sent 11 batters to the plate, getting a two-run double from Lauren Clark and a two-run single Katelyn LaRusso.

LMU would pull a run back in the fifth on Slouber's RBI groundout but could not muster a rally.

Slouber finished 1-for-2 with a walk and two RBI. Sophomore Amy Charpentier had LMU's other hit as Marlena Green (2-1) went the distance, giving up two runs on two hits and four walks. Dykema was handed the loss, allowing six runs on eight hits and four walks.

The tournament concludes Sunday.

- GO LIONS -