LUBBOCK, Texas (February 6,2025) – Lubbock Christian University put on an offensive showcase in their home opener, erupting for 16 runs—including a 13-run third inning—in a dominant 16-0 shutout win over Adams State. While pitchers Ashlinn Hamilton and Berkley Browder combined for a two-hit shutout, the Lady Chaparrals' offense stole the spotlight with hits from 11 different players in the opening game of the Lubbock Sports College Invitational Thursday at Maner Park.
LCU's offense racked up 17 hits, with Yaya Kaaialii (3-for-3, 2 RBI), Bailey Hughes (2-for-3, HR, 3 RBI), and Madison Ruiz (2-for-3, 2 RBI, triple) leading the way.
Hamilton (2-0) started and picked up the win for Lubbock Christian (5-1), going four shutout innings while giving up two hits, walking one, and striking out three. Browder was dealing out of the bullpen as well, going one shutout inning without allowing a hit, walking none and striking out one.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Lady Chaps (5-1) capitalized on early defensive miscues by Adams State (1-5) to grab a quick lead. Kawehi Ili led off the bottom of the first with a walk, and Kadin Vire followed with a bunt single. A fielding error allowed both to score before Yaya Kaaialii added an RBI single to put LCU up 3-0.
LCU broke the game open in the third with 13 runs on 11 hits, sending 17 batters to the plate. Bailey Hughes delivered the highlight of the frame, launching a three-run home run to left field to make it 6-0. Kaaialii, Kristen Boyd, and Baylea Myers each added RBI hits before Madison Ruiz capped the scoring surge with a two-run triple. The Lady Chaps totaled five extra-base hits in the inning, including doubles from Myers, Boyd, and Hughes.
GAME NOTES
» Hamilton and Browder combined to throw a two-hit shutout. The shutout was LCU's first of the season and Hamilton, in her third season with the Lady Chaps, was part of her second career combined shutout.
» The Lady Chaps ended a two-game streak of losses in home openers, which had served as their only losses in home openers all-time, and improved to 16-2 all-time in home openers.
» Junior Yaya Kaaialii compiled three hits in the game for Lubbock Christian. She is 8-for-9 over a three game stretch after opening the season 0-for-7.
» The Chaparrals power output was led by Hughes, who compiled two extra base hits in the ballgame. Her home run was her first of the season and fourth of her LCU career.
» Every Lubbock Christian starter reached base safely in the win. LCU had 11 different players with at least one hit and five players with multi-hit performances.
» Lubbock Christian's highest scoring inning was the third, when it pushed 13 runs across. The 16 runs are the most since scoring 17 on Feb. 4, 2023 against Newman. Their 13-run third inning was their highest run total for a single inning since an 18-run third inning on Feb. 24, 2019 against Newman (that is their program record).
» The Chaparrals had a total of 17 hits. They have produced at least 10 hits in four consecutive games. The 17 hits marked LCU's highest single-game mark since getting 17 hits on May 12, 2022 against Angelo State.
» Lubbock Christian went 8-for-16 (.500) with runners in scoring position. Kaaialii was 2-for-2 at the plate in the situation.
» Lubbock Christian pitchers limited Adams State to just 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position.
» Lubbock Christian pitchers faced 19 Adams State hitters in the game, allowing eight ground balls and three fly balls while striking out four.
» The Chaparrals drew five walks from Adams State pitching. They have drawn at least five walks in four consecutive games.
» Hughes led the Chaparrals at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a double, a home run and three RBI.
» Adams State was led offensively by junior Grace Hendrickson, who went 2-for-2.
HISTORY LESSON
» LCU improved to 3-0 all-time against Adams State and all three meetings have been played in Lubbock.
WHAT'S NEXT
»The Lady Chaps continue play in the Lubbock Sports College Invitational Friday by hosting Chadron State (1 p.m.) and Texas Permian Basin (3 p.m) at Maner Park.
