LCU Opens SAC Tourney 2-1

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 6, 2011) – The No.6 Lubbock Christian University Lady Chaparrals went 2-1 in the opening day of the Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament, winning a pair of one-run games before falling in a one-run game.  LCU defeated St. Gregory’s University 6-5 and Southern Nazarene 8-7, but fell to No.11 Oklahoma City University 2-1.

In the opener, LCU had to rally from a 5-1 deficit.  The Lady Chaps completed the task with a four-run bottom of the third inning.  Kim Frazier hit her 19^th home run of the season in the third inning to highlight the rally.  LCU took the lead with a sacrifice fly by Kayla Van Dieren in the bottom of the sixth inning.  Amanda Longorio allowed just one hit in 2.2 innings of scoreless relief to help claim the win.

The Lady Chaps fell behind again in the second game, but falling into a bigger deficit.  LCU trailed 6-1 in the fifth inning and SNU pitcher Kaci Crawford had pitched a no-hitter through 4.1 innings until Priscilla FaGaines singled to centerfield.  Van Dieren followed with a home run, and the rally continued later in the inning with a two-run double by Latainna Eltsosie.  LCU scored three more runs in the sixth inning, with Andrea Argee scoring a pair with a two-run double.  Longorio also claimed a win in relief in this game as well.  She allowed a pair of runs over the final 4.2 innings in relief.

In the final game of the day, LCU’s Alyssa Freight was involved in a pitcher’s dual against Oklahoma City University’s Lily LaVelle.  Freight allowed one earned run off six hits in seven innings, while LaVelle allowed one run on three hits and struck out 13 LCU batters.  OCU scored first in the second inning, as Van Dieren made a catch in left field and tried to double-up the Stars runner at second base.  The throw got away, and the error allowed OCU to take a 1-0 lead.  A pair of singles led to an infield sacrifice to take a 2-0 lead.  Van Dieren hit a base hit to centerfield in the third inning, but it would be LCU’s only run of the game.      

LCU went to 48-8 on the season with Friday’s 2-1 play.  The loss to end the day ended LCU’s streak of 20 consecutive wins against conference foes.  LCU will play at 1 p.m. Saturday, and if they win, they will advance to play Oklahoma City University, with LCU needing to defeat the Stars twice to claim the SAC Tournament title.