LUBBOCK, Texas (May 1, 2026) – Lubbock Christian University closes out the regular season this weekend at Maner Park, hosting Western New Mexico Saturday at 1 p.m. for a Lone Star Conference doubleheader prior to diving into Senior Day Sunday hosting Sul Ross State at 1 p.m. for the regular season finale.
LCU and WNMU Series Snapshot
- Lubbock Christian holds a commanding 21–1 advantage in the all-time series against Western New Mexico, dating back to the first meeting on Feb. 18, 2014.
- The Lady Chaps had won 18 straight over the Mustangs before a 6–3 setback in Game 2 of a March 16, 2025 doubleheader in Lubbock. It marked WNMU's first-ever win over LCU.
- LCU is 14-1 against WNMU all-time at Maner Park. The prior meeting was the previously mentioned 2025 doubleheader, which LCU followed a 6-3 loss with an 11-3 win.
- All 14 meetings between the two programs as Lone Star Conference foes have come since 2021, with LCU holding an 13–1 mark in those games.
- The Lady Chaps have posted 10 run-rule wins in the series, including six by shutout.
- The squads met four times last season, with LCU going 3-1. LCU wont he final three meetings of the season series, including a doubleheader sweep (6-2, 15-4) on Apr. 16, 2025 in Silver City.
LCU and SRSU Series Snapshot
- LCU leads the all-time series 4-1.
- All five prior meetings were played last season (2025), as LCU entertained the Lobos with a 13-5 non-conference win before a home-and-home doubleheader series of Lone Star Conference games. LCU is 3-1 in LSC contests between the two teams.
- LCU is 3-0 against the Lobos at Maner Park, with two of the wins tallied as run-rule victories.
Season Tidbits
- Lubbock Christian is 25–21 overall and 21–15 in Lone Star Conference play through 46 games, currently sitting sixth in the league standings and firmly inside the top-nine cutoff for the LSC Championship with four conference games remaining in the regular season. After an 0–5 start, the Lady Chaps surged to a 25–16 mark over their next 41 games and enter the final weekend riding a two-game win streak following a sweep at UT Permian Basin. LCU is 8–4 over its last 12 games and owns a 13–9 road record this season.
- Offensively, LCU is hitting .281 as a team with 353 hits, including 63 doubles, eight triples and 28 home runs, averaging 4.93 runs per game (227 total runs). The Lady Chaps are 40-for-54 in stolen bases (74.1%), continuing to apply pressure offensively while ranking in the top half of the Lone Star Conference in scoring.
- LCU continues to excel defensively, leading the Lone Star Conference and ranking among the top five nationally with 25 double plays turned (0.54 per game). The Lady Chaps are fielding .952 as a team.
- Kadin Vire remains one of the premier hitters in the Lone Star Conference, batting .404 (59-for-146, 6th in the LSC) with 15 doubles (6th in the LSC), five triples (second in LSC and 39th nationally) and four home runs. She owns a .658 slugging percentage (14th in LSC) and .476 on-base percentage (16th in LSC) while leading LCU with 41 runs scored (10th in LSC) and 96 total bases.
- Riley Flores is hitting .301 with five stolen bases and ranks second on the team with a .421 on-base percentage, serving as a consistent table-setter at the top of the lineup.
- Ashlinn Hamilton leads the team with 40 RBI and six home runs while batting .292. She also contributes in the circle with a 2.80 ERA across 50.0 innings pitched.
- Freshman Coryn Burris leads the team with eight home runs and ranks second with 33 RBI, while also standing among the LSC leaders defensively with 90 assists (8th in LSC).
- Brianna Chambers-Lee is hitting .304 with 10 doubles and 23 RBI, while Cat Prisock is batting .256 with 16 runs scored in a versatile role.
- Alexis Pacheco continues to be one of the nation's premier defenders, leading the Lone Star Conference and ranking among the top five nationally with 135 assists (2.93 per game). She is also hitting .258 with five home runs and 23 RBI.
- On the bases, Ava Castillo leads the team with 12 stolen bases, while Madison Hunter has nine stolen bases.
- In the circle, LCU owns a 3.64 team ERA (5th in LSC) with opponents hitting .260. The Lady Chaps rank among the top half of the conference in WHIP (1.45, 6th).
- Lexi Clark (10–8, 2.97 ERA) leads the staff with 94.1 innings pitched, recording four complete games and five shutouts.
- Kendall Ward (6–4, 3.35 ERA) and Natalee Gray (6–4, 4.30 ERA) have combined for 79 strikeouts, while Ward leads NCAA Division II and the Lone Star Conference with eight saves, extending her program-record total.
- The Lady Chaps have produced eight multi-home run games this season (5-3), with half coming over the prior seven-game span.
Deeper Dive
- Lubbock Christian is hitting .298 (120-for-403) with runners in scoring position, while converting at an improved .438 rate (60-for-137) with runners at third and less than two outs. Ashlinn Hamilton continues to anchor those moments, hitting .370 (20-for-54 RISP) and .579 in R3rd <2-out situations,="" while="" kadin="" vire="" (.442="" risp)="" and="" julie="" muniz="" (.421="" risp;="" .800="" r3rd=""><2 outs)="" provide="" elite="" secondary="">
- The Lady Chaps continue to generate early traffic, posting a .362 leadoff on-base percentage (112-for-309). Kadin Vire (.633) and Riley Flores (.472) remain tone-setters at the top, with Flores also hitting .370 with the bases empty, reinforcing her role as a primary rally starter.
- Production improves with traffic: LCU is hitting .293 with runners on base compared to .267 with the bases empty. Cat Prisock (.394 with runners on), Ashlinn Hamilton (.337), and Brianna Chambers-Lee (.313) have been key drivers in sustaining innings.
- Situational execution remains a defining trait, as LCU has advanced runners in 49.6% of opportunities (366-for-738). Julie Muniz (.692), Ava Castillo (.667), Cat Prisock (.632), and Ashlinn Hamilton (.554) lead a lineup that consistently manufactures movement.
- Two-out production continues to separate LCU offensively. Coryn Burris is hitting .415 (17-for-41) with two outs and leads the team with 14 two-out RBI, while Hamilton (.333) and Alexis Clark (.273) continue to extend innings in key spots.
- Inning-by-inning production highlights a balanced offensive attack with a clear mid-game edge. LCU has scored 38 runs in both the fourth and fifth innings, combining for one-third of the team's total offense (76-of-227). Early innings remain pivotal, as opponents hold a 92–85 edge across the first three frames, reinforcing the importance of early-game pitching stability.
- Game flow trends remain decisive: LCU is 16-2 when leading after four innings and 20-2 when leading after six, but just 2-17 and 2-19 when trailing in those same splits, emphasizing the importance of playing from ahead.
- Run prevention continues to dictate outcomes. The Lady Chaps are a perfect 18-0 when holding opponents to two runs or fewer, and 17-5 when opponents do not hit a home run, compared to just 8-16 when allowing one or more long balls.
- Hit differential remains one of the clearest indicators of success, as LCU is 19-5 when out-hitting opponents and just 1-15 when being out-hit, reinforcing the lineup's role in dictating results.
- Scoring output continues to scale with success: LCU is 1-9 when scoring two runs or fewer, 10-10 when scoring 3–5 runs, and an impressive 14-2 when scoring six or more runs (including 10-1 when scoring 6–9), underscoring the offense's ability to separate games when it finds rhythm.
Lone Star Conference Breakdown
- This season is LCU's seventh season in the LSC.
- LCU is 138-85 all-time in LSC play.
- The Lady Chaps went 26-18 last season in conference (third in the West Division standings at 18-10).
- Lubbock Christian is 21-15 in Lone Star Conference play, positioning itself firmly in the postseason picture entering the final stretch of the regular season. The Lady Chaps have navigated a demanding league slate while maintaining momentum with multiple late-season series wins.
- Lubbock Christian is averaging 4.97 runs per game (179 total runs) in conference play, hitting .276 as a team (269-for-973) with 45 doubles, four triples and 25 home runs. The Lady Chaps own a .356 on-base percentage and .408 slugging percentage, while going 32-for-42 (76.2%) on stolen base attempts, continuing to apply pressure offensively.
- Kadin Vire continues to anchor the lineup, batting .386 (44-for-114) in conference play with 11 doubles, three triples and four home runs. She owns a .640 slugging percentage and .466 on-base percentage, while striking out just six times, remaining one of the most difficult outs in the Lone Star Conference.
- Ashlinn Hamilton remains one of the league's top two-way performers, hitting .293 with six home runs and a team-high 32 RBI. In the circle, she holds a 1.84 ERA across 38.0 innings, limiting opponents to a .211 batting average while providing key innings in both starting and relief roles.
- Riley Flores is hitting .280 with a .427 on-base percentage in conference play, continuing to set the tone offensively, while Coryn Burris (.278, 21 RBI, six HR) and Brianna Chambers-Lee (.300, 17 RBI) provide production and power through the middle of the order.
- Additional depth has come from Piper Garcia (.270, .438 OB%), while Alexis Pacheco (19 RBI, four HR) and Lexi Clark (11 RBI) continue to deliver timely run production. Ava Castillo adds a speed element, going 9-for-11 in stolen base attempts.
- In the circle, Lexi Clark has been a stabilizing presence, going 9-7 with a 2.78 ERA across 83.0 innings, including four complete games and five shutouts, while holding opponents to a .252 batting average.
- Kendall Ward has anchored the bullpen with six saves and a 3.08 ERA over 52.1 innings, limiting opponents to a .237 batting average while continuing to serve as LCU's primary late-game option.
- As a staff, LCU owns a 3.47 ERA in conference play across 242.0 innings, allowing 234 hits with 139 strikeouts while holding opponents to a .250 batting average.
- LCU has outscored conference opponents 179-143 and has found its greatest offensive rhythm in the middle innings, scoring 34 runs in the fourth inning and 29 in the fifth, continuing a season-long trend of mid-game production.
- The Lady Chaps have remained competitive in close conference games, going 11-10 in contests decided by two runs or fewer, including a 5-4 mark in one-run games, reinforcing their ability to execute in high-leverage situations.
Home Sweet Home
- LCU is 358-69 (83.8%) all-time in home games at Maner Park.
- Last season, LCU was 21-6 at home (15-6 in 2024). This season will match their 2024 home slate, as 2024 was the only prior season in program history in which LCU did not host a non-conference game.
- This season, Lubbock Christian is 10-6 at home, with all 16 games coming in Lone Star Conference play. The Lady Chaps secured series sweeps over UT Permian Basin, Midwestern State, Eastern New Mexico, Texas A&M-Kingsville and Texas A&M International, while their six losses came against Cameron and nationally ranked Angelo State and West Texas A&M at Maner Park.
- Lubbock Christian is outscoring opponents 103-68 (+35 run differential) at home while averaging 6.44 runs per game and allowing 4.25 runs per contest, showing a clear offensive uptick on their home field.
- Offensively, the Lady Chaps are hitting .337 at home (139-for-412) with a .418 on-base percentage and .495 slugging percentage, producing 19 doubles, two triples and 14 home runs. LCU has also gone 18-for-20 (90.0%) on stolen base attempts, continuing elite efficiency on the bases.
- Kadin Vire has been dominant in Lubbock, hitting .429 with a .500 on-base percentage and .714 slugging percentage, while scoring a team-high 17 runs and posting a 1.214 OPS.
- Riley Flores has set the tone at the top of the lineup with a .324 average and .490 on-base percentage, drawing 13 walks and consistently reaching base to ignite early offense.
- Ashlinn Hamilton has delivered the most impact power, batting .298 with four home runs and a team-high 18 RBI, while posting a .596 slugging percentage.
- Alexis Pacheco has been one of LCU's most efficient run producers, hitting .405 with four home runs and 17 RBI, supported by a .762 slugging percentage, while Coryn Burris (.310, 14 RBI, three HR) adds middle-of-the-order production.
- Additional depth has come from Lexi Clark (.371, 7 RBI), Kenzie Kauk (.400 in limited at-bats) and Cat Prisock (.333), helping maintain balance throughout the lineup.
- LCU has been particularly effective situationally at home, hitting .316 with runners in scoring position (77-for-244) while continuing to execute in advancement opportunities at a 47.9% rate (94-for-196).
- In the circle, LCU owns a 3.98 ERA across 102.0 innings, allowing 104 hits with 69 strikeouts and holding opponents to a .257 batting average.
- Lexi Clark has anchored the staff with a 5-2 record and 1.49 ERA over 37.2 innings, including three shutouts, while Ashlinn Hamilton (2.72 ERA) has provided steady support in both starting and relief roles.
- Natalee Gray (2-2) and Reese Farrar (0.86 WHIP) have added depth, while Kendall Ward leads the bullpen with three saves, continuing to handle late-inning opportunities.
- Defensively, LCU holds a .957 fielding percentage at home and has turned nine double plays, supporting its pitching staff with consistent play behind the ball.
- The Lady Chaps have shown strong control when dictating the game flow, going 9-1 when leading after five innings and 9-0 when leading after seven, emphasizing their ability to close out games.
- LCU is 9-1 when out-hitting opponents at home, compared to 1-5 when being out-hit, reinforcing the direct correlation between offensive production and success.
- Offensively, LCU's most productive inning at home has been the fourth (21 runs), continuing a season-long trend of middle-inning scoring surges.
- The Lady Chaps have also capitalized on dominant performances, going a perfect 7-0 when holding opponents to two runs or fewer at Maner Park.
Streaking Along
- Kadin Vire had a 12-game hit streak, which is the longest streak of the season by a Lady Chap.
- Brianna Chambers-Lee actively leads LCU with hits in four straight games.
- Riley Flores had reached base safely in 15 consecutive games, which is the longest by a Lady Chaps member this season.
- Vire actively leads LCU in consecutive games reaching base safely with a streak of 14 games.
- Additionally, Vire leads LCU with 17 multi-hit performances (13 are two-hit games).
- Ashlinn Hamilton leads LCU with 10 multi-RBI performances. Vire follows with nine multi-RBI contests.
Coach Talk
- LCU head coach Daren Hays is in his 16th season at the helm of the Lady Chaps.
- Hays is LCU's winningest softball head coach, entering the weekend with a softball record of 613-239 (he became the 25th active NCAA Div. II head coach to achieve 600 career softball victories).
- Along with surpassing 600 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 1,371 total games at LCU.
Looking at WNMU
- Western New Mexico enters the series with a 22-24 overall record and an even 18-18 mark in Lone Star Conference play, placing them in the middle of the league standings. The Mustangs have been one of the more "streaky" teams in the conference, capable of both sweeping series and being swept, but arrive in Lubbock with momentum after winning five of their last six conference games, including a sweep of St. Edward's.
- Offensively, WNMU features one of the more dangerous and balanced lineups in the LSC, hitting .303 as a team with 68 home runs and a .526 slugging percentage. They rank among the league's better power teams, with multiple hitters capable of changing a game with one swing, making run prevention a key for opponents.
- The heart of the Mustangs' order is anchored by Ciara Spencer (.365) and Abbi Markus (.364, 15 HR, .802 slugging), giving WNMU both a high-average table setter and an elite power bat. Additional production comes from Lanessa Morales (10 HR, 35 RBI) and Marleigh Manns (10 HR, 41 RBI), creating depth that extends throughout the lineup.
- In the circle, WNMU has struggled to find consistent shutdown pitching, carrying a 6.28 team ERA while allowing opponents to hit .326. Alixe De Anda (8-9, 4.37 ERA) has been their most reliable option, while Labraida Tenorio (8-9) adds veteran presence, but the staff has been prone to high-scoring games.
- Statistically, WNMU's season has been defined by narrow margins, with 285 runs scored compared to 301 allowed, reinforcing their .500 conference record. Their ability to outslug opponents keeps them competitive, but limiting big innings has been an ongoing challenge against top-tier LSC teams.
Looking at SRSU
- Sul Ross State enters the weekend continuing to build under first-year head coach Lacey Middlebrooks, with the 2026 season marking a foundational year for the program. They are 7-36 overall and are 5-31 in Lone Star Conference play.
- Offensively, Sul Ross State is led by a core group producing consistent contact, highlighted by Samantha Bustos (.297), Baylie Savage (.284) and Jenna Leanos (.282), all of whom have started nearly every contest. The Lobos have emphasized situational hitting, with multiple regulars posting on-base percentages above .330, allowing them to create scoring opportunities despite limited power numbers (14 home runs as a team).
- In the circle, Sul Ross State has leaned on a young but durable rotation, with Jaclyn Pate (94.0 IP, 10 complete games) and Addison Castilleja (70 strikeouts) carrying significant innings.
- Recent performances reflect that competitiveness, as the Lobos held St. Edward's to just seven combined runs across two games, including a tight 2-0 contest in which Sul Ross had baserunners in the opening innings. Both Pate and Janelle Leanos delivered complete-game efforts in the series, continuing a trend of the pitching staff absorbing innings and limiting extended rallies.
