Lopes Triumph in Sold-Out Home Opener with Double Victory
Grand Canyon University (GCU) had an impressive home opener at the GCU Softball Stadium, showcasing their talent and depth on the field. The Lopes triumphed over Southern Utah with a decisive 17-2 victory followed by a 3-0 win against Weber State on the first day of competition.
Lopes Shine in Season Opener
The sold-out crowd witnessed a dominant performance as GCU scored consistently throughout both games. In the first match against Southern Utah, the Lopes set the tone early, scoring five runs in the first inning and adding eight more in the fourth. Alina Satcher and Haley Wilkinson were standout players, each contributing multiple home runs.
Game 1: GCU vs. Southern Utah
- Final Score: GCU 17, Southern Utah 2 (5 innings)
- Key Players:
- Alina Satcher: Achieved a grand slam and a two-run home run.
- Haley Wilkinson: Contributed significantly with her offensive efforts.
- Sydney McCray: Recorded three hits, including a double to ignite the Lopes’ offense.
- Highlights:
- Satcher set a record for seven RBIs, the highest under head coach Shanon Hays.
- First inning marked by a grand slam from Satcher.
- Oakley Vickers started, striking out three batters in 2.2 innings.
GCU’s aggressive offensive strategy led to a robust total of 17 runs, the most in a match since February prior season.
Game 2: GCU vs. Weber State
- Final Score: GCU 3, Weber State 0
- Notable Performance:
- Taryn Batterton: Threw a complete game shutout, striking out eight batters.
- Haley Wilkinson: Hit a two-run home run to secure the Lopes’ victory.
- Game Strategy:
- First inning led by McCray’s single followed by a scoring double from Trinity Martin.
- Batterton maintained strong performance with consistent velocity throughout the game.
The Lopes demonstrated their offensive and defensive prowess, signaling a promising start to the season. GCU reflects on a victorious opening day, as head coach Shanon Hays emphasizes the importance of strong leadership in the lineup.
Looking Ahead
GCU will continue their campaign with two more games scheduled for Saturday against Southern Utah and Santa Clara. The Lopes are focused on maintaining momentum after their successful home opener, particularly with Santa Clara aiming for revenge following last year’s NCAA regional match-up.
As the team prepares for upcoming challenges, their strong start positions GCU as a formidable contender in the season. Fans eagerly anticipate further exciting performances from the Lopes in the games to come.
