LUBBOCK, Texas (March 2, 2024) – Lubbock Christian University hit four sacrifice flies Saturday, as the Lady Chaparrals split their Lone Star Conference doubleheader with Texas A&M-Kingsville at Maner Park. The Javelinas used a seven-run sixth inning for an 8-3 win in the opener, before responded with a 4-for-4 performance from Hope Banales en route to a 9-6 win in the second game.
 
GAME 1 | Texas A&M-Kingsville 8, Lubbock Christian 3
The Lady Chaparrals took a 2-0 lead into the sixth inning, but could not hang on and fell 8-3 to the Texas A&M-Kingsville Javelinas in the opener.
 
Maxine Valdez (2-5) started and took the loss in the circle for Lubbock Christian.
In the batter's box, the Chaparrals were led by Kamryn Gibbs, who went 1-for-3 on the day with a double and an RBI. Tiarra Delrosario also helped out for Lubbock Christian, putting together two hits in four trips to the plate.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Chaparrals got on the scoreboard first, starting in the fifth inning. Lubbock Christian plated two runs off of Texas A&M-Kingsville pitching, one of which was driven in on a run-scoring double off the bat of Gibbs.
 
The Javelinas first seven batters reached base safely in their seven-run seventh inning. A pinch-hit grand slam by Dakota Martinez highlighted the Javelinas offensive inning.
Hope Banales came across to score the lone run of the bottom half of the inning for Lubbock Christian, which brought the score to 7-3 in favor of the Javelinas. The Chaparrals were unable to get any closer, as Texas A&M-Kingsville added one run to their tally on the way to an 8-3 final.
 
GAME NOTES
» Lubbock Christian went 2-for-6 (.333) with runners in scoring position.

» Gibbs led the Chaparrals at the plate, going 1-for-3 with a double and an RBI.

» Texas A&M-Kingsville was led offensively by junior Lindsey Evans, who went 3-for-3 with a home run and two RBI.

» Senior Beth Montes led the Javelinas pitching staff, throwing seven innings of three-run ball. She improved to 8-3 on the season.
 
» LCU was 1-for-7 getting the leadoff batter aboard.

 
GAME 2 | Lubbock Christian 9, Texas A&M-Kingsville 6
 
Senior Hope Banales collected four hits to help power the Lady Chaps over the Javelinas 9-6 in the second game.
Junior Teoni Lamb (4-2) claimed the win for Lubbock Christian (9-9, 8-6). The right-hander went 7.0 innings, giving up two earned runs on eight hits, allowing two walks and striking out four.
 
In addition to her four hits, Banales had a home run and three RBI to lead the Lady Chaps. Tiarra Delrosario compiled a noteworthy performance at the plate as well, going 2-for-4 with two doubles and an RBI. Baylea Myers also contributed for Lubbock Christian, putting together one hit in four trips to the plate while adding a home run and an RBI.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Chaparrals got on the scoreboard first, scoring in the second inning. Lubbock Christian's offense started clicking and put up five runs off five hits, including doubles from Gibbs and Delrosario.
 
The Javelinas had a quick response, as they answered with a four-run top of the fourth inning to cut LCU's leads to 5-4. Lindsey Evans and Kaylynne Ruiz each drove in a pair with two outs and all four runs were unearned. Banales and Baylea Myers each homered in the sixth inning, as LCU took a 9-4 lead. Texas A&M-Kingsville put two runs on the scoreboard before the game was over, as Aaliyah Ortiz hit a two-run home run in the seventh inning.

GAME NOTES
» Banales racked up four hits on the day for Lubbock Christian. It matches a season high, as she was 4-of-4 against Oklahoma Christian on Feb. 16. The performance marked her sixth multi-hit game of the season.

» The Chaparrals power output was led by Delrosario, who picked up two extra base hits in the ballgame. She extended her hit streak to 17 games.

» Every Lubbock Christian starter reached base safely in the win.

» The Chaparrals out-hit the Javelinas at an 11-8 clip.

» Lubbock Christian went 4-for-8 (.500) with runners in scoring position.

» Banales and Myers each hit their second home run of the season. Banales has 11 career home runs as a member of the Lady Chaps.

» Texas A&M-Kingsville was led offensively by senior Aaliyah Ortiz, who went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI.

» TAMUK left fielder Breana Carr made 12 put-outs on the day (eight in the opening game).
 
» LCU entered the day with one sacrifice fly on the season and they hit four on the day (two in each game). Skyler Herrera, who was 0-for-0 with two RBI and two walks, hit two sacrifice flies. She has 16 now in her LCU career.
 
» The split places LCU with an 8-6 all-time series advantage over TAMUK and 1-3 all-time against them at Maner Park.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
The series rubber match is Sunday at 12 p.m. at Maner Park.