LUBBOCK, Texas (April 27, 2025) – Lubbock Christian University has secured the No. 5 seed for the upcoming Lone Star Conference Championships, with the tournament site to be determined elsewhere in the LSC on Sunday. The Lady Chaps, aiming to build momentum for the postseason and strengthen their regional rankings resume, will celebrate Senior Day on Sunday. They close out the regular season with an LSC West Division doubleheader against Midwestern State, with first pitch set for 1 p.m. at Maner Park.
| LONE STAR CONFERENCE SOFTBALL |
| OPPONENT |
LOCATION |
DAY |
TIME (CT) |
VIDEO |
RADIO |
STATS |
| Midwestern State |
Maner Park |
Sun., Apr. 27 |
1 p.m. |
Watch |
None |
Stats |
| Midwestern State |
Maner Park |
Sun., Apr. 27 |
3 p.m. |
Watch |
None |
Stats |
| Weather |
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LCU and MSU Series Snapshot
- Lubbock Christian and Midwestern State have met 17 times since their first matchup on February 19, 2015, with LCU holding an 11–6 advantage in the all-time series.
- After dropping their first two meetings in 2015, LCU won 10 straight against the Mustangs from 2021 to early 2024.
- The Lady Chaps are 6–2 against MSU at home and 5–2 in Wichita Falls.
- Since joining the Lone Star Conference, LCU is 10–2 against MSU in conference play.
- The longest win streak for LCU in the series is 10 games (April 11, 2021 – February 21, 2024), while Midwestern State's longest winning streak is the current two-game stretch, both wins coming on March 21, 2025.
- MSU snapped LCU's 10-game win streak by sweeping a doubleheader in Wichita Falls earlier this season, winning by scores of 9–8 and 6–2.
- The series has featured a number of high-scoring affairs, with the two teams combining to average over 12 total runs per meeting.
- Here are some notes on this season's series between the two teams:
- LCU dropped both road contests in Wichita Falls, falling 9–8 and 6–2 despite batting .321, but MSU has .411 average against LCU.
- Ashlinn Hamilton and Kawehi Ili led LCU offensively, each hitting .500 (3-for-6). Hamilton posted a 1.333 slugging percentage with two doubles and a home run, while Ili added a double and scored twice.
- Kadin Vire has also impressed at the plate, hitting .429 (3-for-7) with an RBI and reaching base at a .500 clip.
- Five different Lady Chaps have multi-hit series going, with Baylea Myers and Yaya Kaaialii each going 3-for-8 (.375) and Kristen Boyd adding a double and an RBI so far.
- LCU has out-slugged MSU in extra-base hits (seven to four) but has been hampered by four opponent double plays and a 9–12 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
- Defensively, the Lady Chaps have committed just one error and posted a .980 fielding percentage across the two games.
- In the circle, LCU pitchers have struggled, posting an 8.75 ERA over 12.0 innings, while MSU pitchers combined for a 4.50 ERA with nine walks and nine strikeouts in 14.0 innings.
- Reese Farrar and Kendall Ward each turned in scoreless relief outings, combining for 1.2 innings without allowing a hit.
Season Tidbits
- Lubbock Christian is 33-119 overall and sits third in the Lone Star Conference West Division at 16-10, with a 23-18 record in league play. The Lady Chaps have been dominant at home (19-6) and have won nine of their last 10 games entering Sunday's home series. LCU has notched wins over top-tier teams as Angelo State, Oklahoma Christian and West Texas A&M and has scored double-digit runs in 12 games this season. LCU is fifth in the LSC and clinched the No.5-seed at the LSC Championships Friday with a win over WT. LCU was No.8 in the South Central Region rankings.
- Kendra Levesque was named NFCA Division II National Player of the Week after a scorching stretch, going 13-for-15 (.867) with 4 homers, 10 RBI, and a 1.800 slugging percentage over four road wins. She reached base in 17 straight plate appearances and had hits in 10 consecutive official at-bats—tied for 16th in NCAA DII history. Levesque is the fourth Lady Chap to earn the national honor, and currently leads the nation in doubles while She is also top 50 nationally in slugging percentage (.742, 7th LSC), RBI (50, 5th LSC), total bases (121, 5th LSC), and home runs (11, 7th LSC). Levesque enters Sunday tied for eighth in the LSC in hits (64), 14th in batting average (.393), and ranks among the league's top 10 in both on-base percentage (.469) and RBI per game (0.94).
- Baylea Myers remains a steady force in LCU's offensive attack, ranking tied for eighth in the Lone Star Conference with 64 hits and 74th nationally in total bases with 102 (11th LSC). She sits 16th in the league with 42 RBI and is tied for fourth in the conference with four sacrifice flies. Myers also ranks top-15 in the LSC in both total assists (89, 11th) and assists per game (1.78, 14th), while slugging .645, which would rank among the conference's top 20.
- The Lady Chaps have flexed their power throughout the season, sitting seventh in the LSC and 31st nationally with 43 home runs. Kendra Levesque leads the way with 11 (7th LSC, 53rd nationally), followed by Myers (8) and Ashlinn Hamilton (7). Nine different players have homered for LCU this season, showcasing the lineup's depth and versatility.
- LCU's offense continues to roll, ranking third in the LSC and 12th nationally with 304 RBI, averaging 5.8 per game (3rd LSC, 19th nationally). The Chaps have totaled 325 runs (4th LSC, 20th nationally) and are scoring 6.3 runs per game (4th LSC, 30th nationally). Their .403 on-base percentage ranks fourth in the LSC and 26th nationally, boosted by 178 walks, good for fifth in the conference and seventh in the nation.
- Doubles have been a major weapon for LCU, who lead the LSC and rank second nationally with 105 two-baggers. Their average of 2.02 doubles per game leads the conference and is fourth in the nation. Kendra Levesque leads all of NCAA Division II with 22 doubles, while Kristen Boyd ranks tied for second in the LSC and ninth nationally with 19.
- On the bases, LCU has been efficient, going 49-for-54 in stolen base attempts. That total ranks sixth in the LSC and 128th nationally, while their 0.94 steals per game stands seventh in the conference. Kadin Vire remains perfect at 14-for-14 and is eighth in the LSC in total steals, while Kawehi Ili is 10-for-11.
- The Lady Chaps' pitching staff holds a 3.53 ERA, ranking fifth in the LSC and 103rd nationally. Kendall Ward has been outstanding in relief, leading the LSC and ranking eighth nationally with five saves. Teoni Lamb has logged 113.0 innings (18th LSC), thrown nine complete games (17th), and ranks 11th in both total strikeouts (110) and strikeouts per seven innings (6.8). She also sits 10th in the LSC in strikeout-to-walk ratio at 2.89.
- LCU continues to produce in situational hitting, tied for second in the LSC and 17th nationally with 20 sacrifice flies. Myers and Riley Flores are tied for fourth in the conference with four apiece.
- Defensively, LCU has turned 16 double plays, which ranks fifth in the LSC and 70th nationally, averaging 0.31 per game (5th LSC, 96th nationally). Their .968 fielding percentage is fifth in the conference and 46th in the nation. Riley Flores leads the team with 85 assists (14th LSC), while her 1.85 assists per game also ranks 11th. Baylea Myers adds 94 assists (11th LSC), giving LCU two of the top 15 in that category.
Deeper Dive
- LCU continues to strike early and surge late, outscoring opponents 62–21 in the first inning and 60–23 in the sixth. The Lady Chaps are 23–7 when scoring first, including an 18–3 mark when scoring in the opening frame.
- Kawehi Ili remains a key producer in pressure moments, hitting .389 (21-for-54) with runners in scoring position and posting a .733 (11-for-15) success rate scoring a runner from third with fewer than two outs. She advances runners at a 55.3% clip (47-for-85).
- Kristen Boyd leads the team with 17 two-out RBI and is batting .431 (25-for-58) with runners in scoring position. She's successful in 54.3% of her advancement opportunities (50-for-92) and also leads LCU with four hits with the bases loaded.
- Kendra Levesque (.389), Baylea Myers (.377), and Yaya Kaaialii (.361) continue to be reliable with runners in scoring position. Levesque is an elite .500 (3-for-6) with the bases loaded and is advancing runners at a 58.9% success rate (63-for-107).
- LCU is 23–1 when scoring six or more runs and remains a perfect 12–0 when reaching double digits. Conversely, the Lady Chaps are just 1–12 when held to two runs or fewer.
- The Lady Chaps are 24-2 when out-hitting opponents but only 4-17 when being out-hit.
- LCU boasts a 19–1 record when allowing two runs or fewer, compared to 5–10 when surrendering six or more.
- The team is 16–1 when leading after six innings and remains unbeaten (3–0) in extra-inning contests. They've also recorded three comeback wins when trailing after six innings.
- LCU is 7–1 when hitting multiple home runs and 25–6 when holding opponents without a home run.
- Boyd (.571, 4-for-7), Vire (.300, 3-for-10), and Levesque (.500, 3-for-6) are among LCU's top producers in bases-loaded situations.
- The Lady Chaps are 13–4 when opponents commit multiple errors and 7–2 in shutouts.
- LCU continues to dominate in lopsided games, posting a 17–2 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 119-70 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 is 24–18 in Lone Star Conference play, hitting .303 as a team with 39 home runs, 88 doubles, and a .391 OBP.
- Kendra Levesque leads the offense, batting .408 with 11 home runs, 17 doubles, 43 RBI, and a 1.279 OPS in 42 starts.
- Baylea Myers is hitting .358 with 48 hits, 34 runs, 29 RBI, 10 doubles, and six home runs, posting a .993 OPS.
- Yaya Kaaialii owns a .364 average and a team-best .488 OBP, with 24 hits, 20 runs, and 11 RBI in 24 starts.
- Kristen Boyd is batting .355 with 44 hits, 33 RBI, 26 runs, and a team-high 17 doubles, holding a 1.070 OPS.
- Ashlinn Hamilton has provided power, slashing .322/.410/.655 with seven home runs, eight doubles, and 25 RBI.
- Kadin Vire is hitting .301 with 43 hits, 26 runs, 16 RBI, and is 9-for-9 in stolen bases with a .353 OBP.
- Piper Garcia has contributed 20 hits, 15 RBI, three home runs, and five stolen bases, hitting .286 with a .405 OBP.
- Kawehi Ili is batting .273 with nine doubles, 20 RBI, and four steals over 41 conference starts.
- Riley Flores leads the team with 24 walks, adding six doubles and 15 RBI with a .378 OBP.
- The pitching staff holds a 3.71 ERA in conference play with 201 strikeouts in 270 innings, plus 11 complete games and six saves.
- Kendall Ward has four saves, a 2.93 ERA, and a .259 opponent average over 28.2 innings.
- Teoni Lamb is 8–7 with a 3.31 ERA, a team-high 99.1 innings pitched, 96 strikeouts, and nine complete games.
Home Sweet Home
- LCU is 346-63 (84.6%) all-time in home games at Maner Park.
- Last season, LCU was 15-6 at home (24-8 in 2023). Last season marked the first time in program history that LCU did not host a non-conference game
- This season, LCU is 19–6 at home.
- LCU has outscored opponents 184–81 at Maner Park, averaging 7.36 runs per game with a +4.04 run differential.
- Yaya Kaaialii continues to pace the LCU offense at home, batting .489 with 22 hits, seven doubles, two home runs, and 14 RBI across 17 home starts. She leads the team in on-base percentage (.593) and is second in slugging (.778).
- Kendra Levesque remains a standout at home, hitting a team-best .432 with 32 hits, 11 doubles, one triple, five home runs, and 23 RBI. She leads the squad in slugging percentage (.811) and holds a .506 OBP.
- Kristen Boyd has driven in a team-high 28 RBI at home while batting .414 with 29 hits, 10 doubles, and three home runs. She sports a .488 OBP.
- Baylea Myers is hitting .392 at Maner Park with 29 hits, five doubles, four home runs, 20 RBI, and a team-best 23 runs scored.
- Kadin Vire is batting .342 at home with 27 hits, three doubles, two triples, two home runs, 13 RBI, and is a perfect 7-for-7 on stolen base attempts, while holding a 1.000 fielding percentage.
- Kawehi Ili (.292 AVG, 19 H, two doubles, one triple, three HR, 18 RBI) and Riley Flores (.255 AVG, 12 H, three extra-base hits, 11 RBI) have combined for 29 RBI and nine extra-base hits at home.
- Piper Garcia (.368 AVG, 14 H, one triple, two HR, 14 RBI) continues to deliver timely offense in rotational roles.
- LCU is hitting .352 as a team at Maner Park with 172 RBI, 46 doubles, and 23 stolen bases in 25 attempts.
- Teoni Lamb anchors the home pitching staff with a 2.29 ERA, a 6–3 record, and 60 strikeouts in a team-high 52.0 innings. Opponents are batting just .232 against her at Maner Park.
- Natalee Gray (3.30 ERA, 2–1 record, 29.2 IP, 28 strikeouts), Kendall Ward (2.42 ERA, 2 saves, 17.1 IP) and Ashlinn Hamilton (3.15 ERA, 13.1 IP) have been key arms at home as well.
- The LCU pitching staff owns a 2.94 ERA at home with 152 strikeouts across 157.0 innings and a .248 opponent batting average.
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 Sunday with a softball record of 585-215.
- 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 1,271 total games at LCU.
Looking at MSU
- Midwestern State secured a season series victory over No. 7 Angelo State, taking three of four meetings, including a 6-5 win Friday night behind an 11-hit effort and Addison Lindemann's complete-game performance.
- Midwestern State (20-31, 17-25 LSC) reached the 20-win mark for the first time since 2019 and only the second time in the last nine seasons.
- Emma Roach drove in three runs and Myranda Jimenez added two RBI in Friday's win; the trio of Roach, Jimenez, and Jessika Roberts combined to go 6-for-12 with six RBIs and four runs scored in Game 2.
- Addison Lindemann (9-15, 5.46 ERA) threw a five-strikeout complete game in the nightcap, and continues to pace MSU's pitching staff in innings pitched (130.1) and strikeouts (92) this season.
- Despite Friday's split, MSU is locked out of the LSC Championships with one doubleheader remaining, sitting 12th in the conference standings.
