AUSTIN, Texas (March 17, 2024) – Hope Banales collected four RBI, as Lubbock Christian University produced a season-high in runs and hits en route to a 15-3 Lone Star Conference victory over St.Edward's Sunday afternoon at a rainy Diane Daniels Field.
 
Maxine Valdez (5-5) got the win for Lubbock Christian (15-11,14-8). The right-hander went 4.0 innings, giving up three runs on two hits, allowing five walks and striking out six. She had a no-hit bid for 3.2 innings.
 
Banales went 2-for-3 with a double in addition to her four RBIs for the Lady Chaparrals. Sydnee Bowlin compiled a standout performance at the plate as well, going 3-for-3 with two RBI. Baylea Myers also chipped in for Lubbock Christian, putting together two hits in two trips to the plate while adding three RBI.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Lady Chaps got on the board immediately, as they put up six runs, including a two-run single off the bat of Myers and a two-run single from Banales, in the first inning.
LCUx then exploded with an eight-run third inning. Lubbock Christian's eight-run inning was highlighted by a two-run double off the bat of Banales, which brought the Chaparrals lead to 14-0.
 
Saint Edward's narrowed Lubbock Christian's lead to 14-3 before the Chaparrals stretched the advantage to 15-3 in the fifth inning with a bases loaded walk for Valdiviezo.
 
GAME NOTES
» Bowlin had three hits in the game for Lubbock Christian. It marked her second three-hit performance of the season. She was one of six Lady Chaps to produce a multi-hit game this season. Hope Banales and Skylar Herrera each had their eighth multi-hit game of the season, which has them tied for second behind 11 by Tiarra Delrosario.

» Valdez struck out six Hilltoppers hitters. She improved to 5-0 in her career against SEU

» Banales drove in four runs for Lubbock Christian. Her season-high mark is five.

» Every Lubbock Christian starter reached base safely in the win. LCU used seven pinch hitters, with Chloe Constantino included in the mix for her first plate appearance of the season.

» Lubbock Christian produced 15 runs and 15 hits and both were season highs. The Chaparrals out-hit the Hilltoppers at a 15-4 clip.

» Lubbock Christian went 11-for-17 (.647) with runners in scoring position.

» Saint Edward's was led offensively by J. Pelham, who went 1-for-2 with a double and two RBI.
 
» LCU did not hit a home run in the game, improving to 2-10 on the season in games in which they did not hit a home run.

» Makenna Holloway led the Hilltoppers pitching staff, throwing three innings of two-run ball. She was the third pitcher used by SEU and allowed two runs off three hits in 3.0 innings.
 
» The win improved LCU to 25-8 all-time against SEU and 9-5 against the Hilltoppers in Austin. LCU has won 14 of the prior 16 encounters.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
LCU remains in Austin Monday, as the two teams complete the three-game LSC series with a noon doubleheader.