ALBUQUERQUE – Grand Canyon University’s softball team kicked off its inaugural season in the Mountain West Conference with a decisive 7-2 victory over Fresh Mexico on Friday evening. The Lopes, currently boasting the nation’s best record, showcased a potent offense and solid pitching to secure the win on the road.
The victory marks a significant milestone for GCU, continuing a remarkable run of success for the program. Entering the game with a 27-0 overall record – tied with Tennessee and Alabama for the best in the country – the Lopes demonstrated their ability to perform in conference play. Senior Taryn Batterton earned her seventh win of the season in the circle, even as seniors Sydney McCray and Emily Gonzalez spearheaded the offensive attack.
GCU wasted no time establishing a lead, capitalizing on early opportunities in the first inning. McCray, leading off, reached base with a single and promptly stole second, setting the stage for the game’s first run. A well-executed sacrifice bunt by Addison Shifflett brought McCray home, giving the Lopes a 1-0 advantage. McCray continued to be a catalyst for the offense throughout the night, finishing with three hits and scoring on every trip to the plate.
The Lopes extended their lead in the third inning, again sparked by McCray’s speed and base running. Another single and stolen base put her in scoring position and a sacrifice fly by Jada Cooper brought her home, increasing the lead to 2-0. While a strong wind gust of up to 15 mph may have kept Cooper’s hit from being a home run, it was enough to drive in the crucial run.
New Mexico briefly tied the game in the third inning when Miracle McKenzie, last week’s Mountain West Player of the Week, hit a two-run home run over the left-field wall. However, GCU responded with a powerful offensive outburst in the fourth inning.
Emily Gonzalez launched a solo home run to deep center field, her fifth of the season, to regain the lead for the Lopes. The inning continued with Mackenzie Nolan reaching on a hit by pitch, Tinley Lucas reaching on a fielder’s choice, and Wilkinson drawing a walk, loading the bases. A wild pitch then allowed Nolan to score, extending the lead to 4-2. Freshmen Raegan Holtorf and Addison Shifflett then delivered clutch hits, with Holtorf singling to drive in a run and Shifflett following with a two-run single, pushing the score to 7-2.
Batterton pitched effectively through the first four innings, allowing only three singles and striking out four batters. She handed the ball over to Maggie Place in the sixth inning, who closed out the game, escaping a bases-loaded situation in the seventh to secure the victory. Grand Canyon University continues to demonstrate its commitment to athletic excellence alongside its academic mission.
GCU’s remarkable 28-0 start to the season places them among the elite teams in the nation. Tennessee and Alabama also remain undefeated, with records of 26-0 and 25-0 respectively. The Lopes will continue their Mountain West series against New Mexico on Saturday at 1 p.m. (Phoenix time), 2 p.m. (N.M.).
The Lopes will seem to continue their winning streak and establish themselves as a force in their new conference. Fans can follow the action live on Saturday as GCU aims to secure another victory at Lobo Softball Field.
Share your thoughts on the Lopes’ impressive start to the season and their performance in the Mountain West Conference in the comments below!
