LUBBOCK, Texas (April 13, 2024) – The Lubbock Christian University Lady Chaparrals brought a 5-4 lead into the seventh inning, but the Rambelles rallied with a five-run inning to ruin a multi-homer game from Alli Oyanguren and an 11-strikeout performance from Maxine Valdez, and No. 21 Angelo State prevailed with a 9-7 win Saturday in the opening game of a Lone Star Conference series at Maner Park.
Maxine Valdez was a bright spot for the Lady Chaps, starting the ballgame and throwing 6.0 innings, giving up four runs (three earned) on five hits, with one walk and 11 strikeouts. Freshman Reese Farrar (1-1) came out of the bullpen for Lubbock Christian (21-17, 20-14) and took the loss.
LCU had multi-hit performances from Kamryn Gibbs (3-for-4) and Oyanguren (2-for-4). The pair combined for a trio of home runs, as Oyanguren led LCU with a pair of solo shots.
HOW IT HAPPENED
LCU jumped on the scoreboard first, scoring a run in the second inning. Oyanguren put completed the task with a leadoff home run off Cheyenne Floyd. The Rambelles responded in the top of the fourth inning with a three-run inning, highlighted by a Layni Tanner two-run double for a 3-1 lead.
In the bottom half of the inning, LCU matched ASU's output with a trio of runs. Oyanguren and Gibbs hit back-to-back homers in the fifth inning before a pinch-hit triple from Bailey Hughes plated Amanda Valdiviezo to regain the LCU lead (4-3).
Angelo State came back to even the ballgame at 4-4 (Averie Gunther solo home run in the fifth inning) before Lubbock Christian reclaimed a 5-4 advantage in the bottom of the fifth inning. A RBI-single off the bat of Gibbs scored Hope Banales for the lead.
LCU went into the seventh inning with a 5-4 advantage, but ASU scored five runs before LCU could register the first out of the inning. Consecutive doubles to lead off the inning was eventually followed with back-to-back ASU home runs. The first was a three-run shot by Laylonna Applin. The five runs gave the Belles a 9-5 advantage. LCU attempted to rally themselves. Gibbs' run-scoring single brought home one run in a two-run output for the Chaparrals, tightening the Angelo State lead to 9-7. The Chaparrals were unable to get any closer.
GAME NOTES
» Lubbock Christian got a two-homer day from Oyanguren, which is the first of her LCU career. The pair of homers give her seven this season and she has 12 in her LCU career. Oyanguren also grabbed her team-leading eighth multi-RBI game of the season.
» Gibbs led the Lady Chaparrals, amassing three base knocks in the ballgame. The mark was a career-high mark for the senior, who was appearing in her 175th career game.
» Valdez fanned 11 Rambelles hitters, matching a season high. She struck out 14 ASU batters in her prior meeting against them (Apr. 15, 2023 in San Angelo).
» Every Lady Chaps starter reached base safely in the loss. Hope Banales and Gibbs each reached base for a seventh consecutive game, which actively co-lead the team. Baylea Myers (1-for-4) collected a hit for a sixth consecutive game, which actively leads the team.
» LCU fell to 13-1 when scoring at least seven runs. They also dropped to 13-2 when leading after six innings and 9-2 when hitting two-or-more home runs.
» The Chaparrals out-hit the Rambelles at an 11-10 clip.
» Lubbock Christian pitchers faced 33 Angelo State hitters in the game, allowing two ground balls and seven fly balls while striking out 12.
» Angelo State was led offensively by freshman Laylonna Applin, who went 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI.
HISTORICAL NOTE
ASU improved to 11-5 all-time against LCU and 4-1 all-time at Maner Park. LCU fell to 2-5 this season in games against nationally ranked opponents.
WHAT'S NEXT
LCU remains home Sunday and completes their three-game series against ASU with a doubleheader scheduled for 1 p.m. at Maner Park.
