Softball drops pitcher's duel to Redlands

ORANGE, Calif. – Despite a strong pitching performance from freshman Simi Lauwers, the Chapman softball team fell 2-0 to Redlands Friday afternoon at El Camino Real Park.

Lauwers tossed a complete game, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out seven and walking four.

She kept the Bulldogs off the scoreboard until the fourth inning when Redlands' Kalyn Kershner sent a 1-2 pitch over the left field fence. While the Bulldogs went on to load the bases later that inning with one out, Lauwers worked out of trouble striking out a batter then forcing a groundout to first baseman Mykala Tokunaga.

On offense, the Panthers managed five hits in the contest but couldn't get on the scoreboard against Redlands' starter Danielle Stallings. Stallings struck out seven batters and the Panthers stranded five runners on base as well.

Chapman started a rally in the fifth inning after singles from freshman Emily Hayes and sophomore Allie Tajii. However, both were left stranded. Junior Julia Muniz led off the seventh with a double to deep right center but Stallings retired the next three batters to end the game and secure the win for Redlands.

The Panthers and Bulldogs finish out the series on Sunday in Redlands.