Softball run rules Oxy in series opener

ORANGE, Calif. – The Chapman University softball team cruised to an 8-0 win in five innings over visiting Occidental on Friday to open a three-game SCIAC series. Senior Christine LoVerde drove in three runs while junior Mykala Tokunaga was dominant in the circle.

Tokunaga allowed just two singles and two walks with only one runner reaching third in the shutout. Oxy's only threat came in the first when the Tigers had runners on the corners and two outs. A pop up to center ended the threat.

The Panthers got on the board in the first and went on to score in all four innings they came to the plate. LoVerde put the Panthers on the board when she stole third and scored on the overthrow in the first. In the second, she drove a hit on the ground pas the second baseman for a two-RBI single and scored when Tokunaga doubled.

LoVerde brought home another run in the third when she drew a bases loaded walk. Chapman scored three times in the third with sophomore Annika Briski singling in a run, LoVerde's bases loaded walk and a bases loaded wild pitch. Freshman Emily Hayes brought home the eighth run when her drive down the line in right was missed by a diving right fielder. Sophomore Rani Lauwers scored from first but Hayes was tagged out at the plate as she tried to stretch for an in-the-park homer.

Chapman took advantage of four Occidental errors and made just one in the run-rule shortened contest.

The series moves to Occidental tomorrow for a doubleheader beginning at noon. The Panthers are back home on Mar. 7 for a noon doubleheader with Whittier.

By Steven Olveda.
Sports Information Director

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