PORTALES, N.M. (April 18, 2025) – Lubbock Christian University is heating up at the right time, riding a six-game win streak and boasting a 7-2 record over their last nine contests. The Lady Chaps have surged into fifth place in the Lone Star Conference standings and have appeared among the NCAA's list of teams under consideration for a berth to the NCAA Division II South Central Regional. Just behind them in sixth place and trailing by two games is Eastern New Mexico, who LCU will face in a crucial LSC West Division doubleheader Friday at Greyhound Softball Field. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. CT.
| LONE STAR CONFERENCE SOFTBALL |
| OPPONENT |
LOCATION |
DAY |
TIME (CT) |
VIDEO |
RADIO |
STATS |
| ENMU |
Portales, N.M. |
Fri., Apr. 18 |
3 p.m. |
Watch |
None |
Stats |
| ENMU |
Portales, N.M. |
Fri., Apr. 18 |
5 p.m. |
Watch |
None |
Stats |
| Weather |
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LCU and ENMU Series Snapshot
- Lubbock Christian dominates the all-time series against Eastern New Mexico, owning a 46–1 record since the first meeting on Feb. 12, 2010.
- The Lady Chaps had won 42 consecutive games over the Greyhounds before suffering their only loss in the series—a 4–3 extra-inning defeat on Feb. 27, 2024 in Portales.
- LCU has an 11–1 mark in LSC matchups since they became LSC foes in 2021.
- The Lady Chaps are a perfect 24–0 against ENMU at home and 18–1 on the road, having outscored the Greyhounds by a combined total of 442–150 across 47 meetings.
- LCU has 11 all-time shutout wins against ENMU, with five occurring over the prior 14 meetings.
- This year, the two teams squared off for a doubleheader in Lubbock on March 15, with LCU taking both games in tight fashion, 8–6 and 8–7.
Here are some notes on this season's series between the two teams:
- LCU posted a dominant .368 team batting average across its two wins over Eastern New Mexico, outpacing the Greyhounds' .297 mark and collecting 21 hits while striking out just eight times as a team..
- Kristen Boyd leads the offensive charge with a blistering .667 average (4-for-6), driving in a team-high five runs and slugging .667, while also reaching base at a .778 clip.
- Kendra Levesque has crushed two doubles and has driven in two runs while slugging .857, helping LCU outslug ENMU in total bases (29-22) despite both teams hitting two homers.
- Reese Farrar and Kendall Ward combined for 3.1 hitless, scoreless innings, with Farrar striking out three in 2.1 innings of perfect relief.
- LCU's pitchers punched out 12 ENMU hitters in 14.0 innings, led by six strikeouts from Teoni Lamb, who earned a no-decision despite allowing four earned in 5.0 innings.
- The Lady Chaps were especially effective in run-scoring situations, driving in 16 runs on 21 hits and taking advantage of 17 walks and HBPs by Greyhound pitching.
Season Tidbits
- Lubbock Christian is 30-18 overall and sits third in the Lone Star Conference West Division at 13-9, with a 21-17 record in league play. The Lady Chaps have been dominant at home (18-5) and own six straight wins entering Friday's road series. LCU has notched wins over top-tier teams like Angelo State and Oklahoma Christian and has scored double-digit runs in 11 games this season. In the hunt for a berth to the Lone Star Conference Championship, LCU is fifth in the overall conference standings.
- Kendra Levesque is heading into the series with a hot bat, as she has reached base safely in her last 17 plate appearances and has hits in her last 10 official at-bats. Her streak of 10 hits in consecutive official at-bats ranks tied for 16th in NCAA Division II history.
- Baylea Myers remains a key piece of LCU's offensive puzzle, ranking eighth in the Lone Star Conference with 60 hits and sitting 57th nationally with 98 total bases (ninth in LSC). She is ninth in the LSC with 41 RBI and is tied for second in the league with four sacrifice flies. Myers ranks among the team leaders in doubles (12), and her slugging percentage of .645 places her 14th in the conference.
- The Lady Chaps' power game has stayed strong, ranking fifth in the LSC and 25th nationally with 41 home runs. Kendra Levesque leads the way with 10 bombs (5th in LSC), followed by Baylea Myers (8) and Ashlinn Hamilton (7). Nine different players have gone deep for LCU this season, highlighting the lineup's depth.
- LCU ranks third in the LSC and 13th nationally with 278 RBI, averaging 5.79 per game (3rd LSC, 21st nationally). They've plated 296 total runs (3rd LSC, 15th nationally) and are scoring 6.17 runs per game (3rd LSC, 31st nationally). The Chaps' .403 on-base percentage ranks fourth in the LSC and 33rd nationally, while their 167 walks are fourth-most in the league and ninth nationally.
- Doubles remain a team strength, with LCU leading the LSC and ranking third nationally with 93 two-baggers. They average 1.94 per game, good for first in the LSC and eighth nationally. Kendra Levesque leads the nation with 20 doubles, while Kristen Boyd ranks third in the LSC and ninth nationally with 17.
- On the basepaths, LCU is 48-for-53 in stolen bases, ranking fifth in the LSC and 116th nationally. Their 1.00 steals per game ranks sixth in the conference. Kadin Vire is a perfect 14-for-14, and Kawehi Ili is 10-for-11 on the season.
- The Lady Chaps pitching staff ranks fifth in the LSC and 93rd nationally with a 3.43 ERA. Kendall Ward continues to be dominant in relief, leading the LSC and ranking sixth nationally with five saves. Teoni Lamb leads the staff in innings pitched (103.1, 15th LSC), ranks 17th in the conference with eight complete games, and is 12th in the league in both strikeouts (98) and strikeouts per seven innings (6.6).
- LCU's situational hitting continues to shine, as the Chaps are tied for third in the LSC and rank 17th nationally with 19 sacrifice flies. Riley Flores and Baylea Myers each have four, tied for second in the conference.
- Defensively, LCU has turned 12 double plays this season, ranking eighth in the LSC and 100th nationally. Their .967 fielding percentage ranks sixth in the conference and 50th in the country. Riley Flores leads the infield with 85 assists (10th in LSC), and her 1.93 assists per game ranks 11th in the league. Baylea Myers is also top-15 in both total assists and assists per game.
Deeper Dive
- LCU continues to strike early and surge late, outscoring opponents 61–18 in the first inning and 58–22 in the sixth. The Lady Chaps are 22–7 when scoring first, including a 17–3 mark when scoring in the opening frame.
- Kawehi Ili remains a key producer in pressure moments, hitting .383 (18-for-47) with runners in scoring position and a rate of .769 (10-for-13) scoring a runner from third when fewer than two outs. She advances runners at a team-best 54.7% clip (41-for-75).
- Kristen Boyd leads the team with 15 two-out RBI and is batting .431 (22-for-51) with runners in scoring position. She's also successful in 52.5% of her advancement opportunities (42-for-80).
- Kendra Levesque (.362), Baylea Myers (.422), and Yaya Kaaialii (.361) continue to be reliable with runners in scoring position. Levesque is hitting a team-best .400 (2-for-5) with the bases loaded and has advanced runners at a 57.7% rate (56-for-97).
- LCU is 21–1 when scoring six or more runs and a perfect 11–0 when reaching double digits. Conversely, the Lady Chaps are just 1–12 when held to two runs or fewer.
- The Lady Chaps are 18–2 when out-hitting their opponent, but only 4–16 when being out-hit.
- LCU boasts a 17–1 record when allowing two runs or fewer, compared to 3–16 when surrendering six or more.
- The team is 12–1 when leading after six innings and remains perfect (2–0) in extra-inning contests. They've also notched three comeback wins when trailing after six.
- LCU is 7–1 when hitting multiple home runs and 24–6 when holding opponents without a long ball.
- Boyd (.571, 4-for-7), Vire (.333, 3-for-9) and Garcia (.667, 2-for-3) are LCU's top producers in bases-loaded situations.
- The Lady Chaps are 10–3 when opponents commit multiple errors and 7–2 in shutouts.
- LCU has dominated in lopsided games, posting a 16–2 record in contests decided by five or more runs.
Lone Star Conference Breakdown
- This season is LCU's sixth season in the LSC.
- LCU is 116-69 all-time in LSC play.
- The Lady Chaps went 24-18 last season in conference (sixth place in the standings).
- Snapshot of last season in the LSC for LCU.
- LCU is hit .308 in conference, with 40 home runs (allowed 28).
- The pitching staff had a 2.81 ERA in LSC play, with 211 strikeouts in 269.1 innings and held opponents to a .246 batting average.
- LCU enters the weekend with a 21–17 record in Lone Star Conference play. The Lady Chaps are batting .297 as a team in league action with 37 home runs, 76 doubles, and a .388 on-base percentage.
- Kendra Levesque has been one of the top hitters in the conference, leading LCU in batting average (.391), RBI (35), extra-base hits (25), and total bases (90). She's slugging .783 with 15 doubles and 10 home runs, and holds a team-best 1.257 OPS.
- Baylea Myers remains a steady offensive force, slashing .370/.418/.622 in LSC play. She ranks second on the team in hits (44), runs (31), and total bases (74), while driving in 28 and collecting 10 doubles, a triple, and six homers.
- Yaya Kaaialii continues to be a table-setter with a .364 average and a team-high .488 OBP. In 24 starts, she has tallied 24 hits, 20 runs, and 11 RBI while adding six doubles and two home runs.
- Kristen Boyd ranks among LSC leaders in doubles (15), batting .355 with a .446 OBP and a 1.064 OPS. She's posted 39 hits, 29 RBI, and 22 runs in 38 conference starts.
- Ashlinn Hamilton has added a power presence in the heart of the order, hitting .321 with seven home runs and 25 RBI. Her .667 slugging percentage and 1.076 OPS come in just 27 starts.
- Kadin Vire continues to spark the top of the order, batting .313 with 40 hits, 13 RBI, and 58 total bases. She's 9-for-9 in stolen bases and holds a .364 OBP.
- Piper Garcia has provided timely production in the lower half of the lineup, slashing .268/.397/.464 with 15 RBI, three home runs, and four stolen bases in 25 starts.
- Kawehi Ili has started all 38 conference games, batting .257 with a .378 OBP while collecting six doubles, two homers, and 16 RBI.
- Riley Flores has reached base at a .387 clip despite a .217 average, thanks to 24 walks. She's contributed 14 RBI and six doubles over 34 starts.
- The LCU pitching staff owns a 3.60 ERA in LSC play, holding opponents to a .265 average with 176 strikeouts across 241.0 innings.
- Kendall Ward has been clutch out of the bullpen, compiling a 3–1 record with four saves and a team-best 2.39 ERA. She's walked just two and fanned 14 over 26.1 innings while limiting hitters to a .242 average.
- Teoni Lamb is 7-7 in conference but has 8 of LCU's 10 complete games in LSC play (84 strikeouts in 89.2 innings).
On The Road Again
- Despite an 8-12 record in away games, Lubbock Christian has outscored opponents 82-78 and outhit them 144-132.
- Baylea Myers continues to pace the team in road batting, hitting .348 (23-for-66) with six doubles, a triple, and three home runs. She leads LCU with 14 RBI and a .606 slugging percentage, while posting a .394 on-base mark.
- Kendra Levesque has been a power presence on the road, batting .344 (22-for-64) and leading LCU with eight doubles and five home runs. She has driven in 18 runs and holds a team-best .703 slugging percentage and .408 OBP. Defensively, she's perfect in 142 chances (135 putouts, 7 assists).
- Kristen Boyd is batting .311 (19-for-61) with seven doubles, a triple, and two home runs. She has eight RBI and a .557 slugging percentage, while contributing a .391 OBP and a .965 fielding percentage in the infield.
- Ashlinn Hamilton has hit .306 (15-for-49) away from home, racking up five doubles and four home runs. She owns a .653 slugging percentage and .358 OBP, while also tossing 8.2 innings in the circle with a 2.42 ERA.
- Kadin Vire is batting .279 (19-for-68) on the road and leads the team with five stolen bases in five attempts. She's added five doubles and seven RBI, while appearing in all 20 away games.
- Kawehi Ili adds balance to the order with a .263 average (15-for-57), producing five doubles and seven RBI while reaching base at a .382 clip. She's a perfect 3-for-3 in stolen base attempts.
- Yaya Kaaialii is hitting .257 (9-for-35) in away games, with one double, four walks, and a .350 OBP in 12 games.
- Kendall Ward remains LCU's most effective reliever on the road, owning a 1.58 ERA with three saves over 13.1 innings. She has allowed just three earned runs and held opposing hitters to a .208 average.
- Natalee Gray leads LCU's starting rotation away from home with a 3-2 record and a 3.20 ERA in 19.2 innings. She has allowed just nine earned runs and holds opponents to a .235 average.
- Overall, the Lady Chaps have produced 42 doubles, two triples, and 16 home runs in 20 road games, slugging .438 as a team with a .348 on-base percentage. They've drawn 59 walks and been hit 12 times, while stealing 14 bases in 16 attempts.
Streaking Along
Coach Talk
- LCU head coach Daren Hays is in his 15th season at the helm of the Lady Chaps.
- Hays is LCU's winningest softball head coach, entering Friday with a softball record of 582-214.
- Along with surpassing 575 coaching wins in softball, Hays had surpassed 300 wins as a collegiate baseball head coach. He spent eight seasons as the LCU baseball head coach and compiled a 356-163 record. Combine the two sports and Hays has coached in 1,267 total games at LCU.
Looking at ENMU
- Eastern New Mexico enters the weekend tied for sixth in the conference standings at 19-19 in league action (26-22 overall), looking to lock in one of the final spots for the conference tournament (eight teams). The Greyhounds have dropped their last four games, falling twice Wednesday to No. 7 Angelo State and twice Sunday to No.1 West Texas A&M.
- Offensively, ENMU ranks among the top teams in the league and nation. The Greyhounds average 6.00 runs per game (5th in the LSC, 37th nationally), backed by a team slash line of .305/.398/.474. They've totaled 396 hits (29th nationally), 77 doubles (23rd), and 41 home runs (25th). Patience at the plate is a strength, with ENMU ranking 3rd in the conference and 8th nationally with 168 walks.
- Aylene Lucero fuels the offense from the leadoff spot, batting .420 with a .521 OBP and 53 runs scored—11th-most in the nation. Alondra Vasquez is the power threat, slugging .664 with 10 home runs, 30 walks, and 42 RBI. Christina Meneses provides gap-to-gap power with 17 doubles (2nd in the LSC), while Valeria Contreras brings speed and situational hitting with 10 sacrifice bunts and 45 runs scored.
- The Greyhounds' pitching staff owns a 4.93 ERA (12th in the LSC) and 1.77 WHIP, struggling to keep opposing offenses at bay. Ace Miranda Guillen has been the bright spot, posting a 13-5 record with a 3.14 ERA and 127 strikeouts—ranking 6th in the conference. Reliever Jordan Rivera has logged 24 appearances (11th in the LSC), while Marissa Rodriguez has chipped in three saves, good for 4th in the league.
- Defensively, ENMU fields at a .958 clip (10th in the LSC) and ranks in the bottom half of the conference in errors committed. Though not a base-stealing team (0.56 steals/game, 14th in the LSC), the Greyhounds rely on power and patience to manufacture offense. They've drawn the 3rd-most HBPs in the league (60), with Lucero and Vasquez combining for 32 of those.
