BAKERSFIELD, Calif.-- Bakersfield returned to the Roadrunner Softball Complex for a doubleheader to close out the WAC series against Grand Canyon. The 'Runners claimed a close victory in Game 1, before dropping Game 2.

Game 1: Bakersfield 5, Grand Canyon 4

After a slow start for both teams, the 'Runners exploded for four runs in the bottom of the second inning. The offensive party got started off with a leadoff double by Jessica Castaneda (So., Bakersfield, Calif., Ridgeview HS) who scored the first run of the game for Bakersfield thanks to Madison Bundy's (Jr., Anacortes, Wash., Oregon State) RBI single. Amy Ricciardi's (Sr., Chino Hills, Calif., Ayala HS) team-leading ninth double of the season set the 'Runners up for a big inning and Karissa Veiga (Sr., Hemet, Calif., Hemet HS) capped off the scoring with a two-RBI single.

Grand Canyon answered back with four runs of its own in the top of the fourth inning induced by back-to-back singles to start the inning. A throwing error would allow both runners to score and halved the Antelope deficit. Bakersfield's starter, Kelsie Monroe (Jr., Los Banos, Calif., San Joaquin Delta College), ended any more potential damage by getting a pinch hitter to strike out looking, but would get roughed up for two more runs in the fifth. The runs tied the score up with the 'Runners coming to bat in the bottom of the fifth.

Sydney Raeber (So., Hanford, Calif., Hanford HS) played a pivotal role in the 'Runner win. After striking out in her first two at bats, the sophomore rebounded and singled in the fifth inning. Raeber eventually scored thanks to a wild pitch and an error and became the winning run for Bakersfield. On top of that, the Hanford native came on to relieve Monroe in the sixth inning and gave up only one hit while facing seven batters en route to a save.

Kelsey Barak and Lauren Regester both recorded two hits for the 'Lopes in the game while Veiga went one for four with a two-RBI single for Bakersfield.   

Game 2: Grand Canyon 4, Bakersfield 1

Monroe was called upon for her second start of the day in Game 2. The junior pitcher breezed through the first inning before running into some trouble in the top of the second. Two errors by her defense put her in a tough spot, but with runners on second and third, Monroe induced a groundout to end the threat and keep the scored tied at 0-0.

The 'Runners started to cause trouble for the 'Lopes in the bottom of the second after Bundy led off the inning with a single and Bakersfield loaded the bases. With two outs, Veiga was unable to capitalize on the opportunity and the score remained tied at zero after two complete innings.

Barak got Grand Canyon going in the top of the third. The shortstop sent a ball sailing toward the left field foul pole that stayed just fair for a two-run home run. Bakersfield responded in the bottom half of the third as Castaneda sent a blast flying into left field that left no doubt. The Bakersfield native's shot was her third home run of the season and cut into the Antelope lead, making the score 2-1.

GCU would extend its lead to 3-1 in the top of the fifth as a close play at the plate resulted in the Antelope runner sliding just under the tag. Grand Canyon added an insurance run in the top of the seventh, then Stephanie Pesqueira, the WAC's second-leading pitcher in ERA, closed out her complete-game win. Grand Canyon (19-17, 4-2 WAC) got a four hit, one run performance out of Pesqueira. Lauren Regester registered two hits and an RBI for the 'Lopes while Kelsey Barak added two RBI.

Castaneda's home run was the highlight of the 'Runner offense in Game 2 while Monroe and Amber Mills (So., Fresno, Calif., Clovis West HS) each allowed two runs off of nine hits combined. Mills struck out three Antelopes in the process of recording 4.1 strong innings pitched in relief.

"We played a lot better today," said Bakersfield's Head Coach Crissy Buck-Ziegler. "We have to learn to be a little more disciplined, but we're getting on the right track."

Bakersfield (10-30-1, 1-5 WAC) will return to the Roadrunner Softball Complex on Wednesday for a doubleheader against Cal State Northridge. First pitch is scheduled for one p.m.

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