LOS ANGELES--The CSU Bakersfield softball team continued the LMU/CSUN Tournament with another split on the second day of competition. The 'Runners played co-host Loyola Marymount twice and earned a shutout before being shut out by the Lions in the second game.

Crissy Buck-Ziegler, Bakersfield's Head Coach, was pleased with the win but disappointed in the team's lost momentum: "We have to learn to stay hungry after we have tasted a win. That is when I will see growth from this team."

Game 1 - CSUB 2, LMU 0

CSUB broke through in the top of the third inning with two runs. Sydney Raeber (Jr., Hanford, Calif., Hanford HS) doubled to left center to plate Selena Gonzalez (So.,Manteca, Calif., San Joaquin Delta College) and take a 1-0 lead over the Lions. Nicole Curry's (Fr., Martinez, Calif., Alhambra HS) single through the right side gave the first baseman her third RBI of the year and gave the 'Runners a 2-0 lead.

The Lions tried to answer right back as back-to-back singles to lead off the bottom half of the third put the 'Runners in trouble. Bakersfield's starter, Kelsie Monroe (Sr., Los Banos, Calif., San Joaquin Delta College) retired the next three batters in order without moving the runners a single base to eliminate the threat.

The 'Runners put together back-to-back singles in the top of the fourth inning, but were unable to capitalize on the opportunity, stranding two on base. Adrianna Cardoza's (R-Jr., Santa Ana, Calif., La Quinta HS) two-out double in the top of the sixth set up a great scoring opportunity for CSUB with 'Runners on second and third. Andy Wellins, LMU's starter, walked Gonzalez to load the bases, but a strikeout would end the chance for Bakersfield to add any insurance runs.

To close out her complete game shutout, Monroe retired seven straight Lions. The senior righty, who is the reigning WAC Pitcher of the Week, scattered six hits while giving up no walks and striking out four batters. Three 'Runners had two hits in the game including Raeber who picked up her teaming-leading seventh RBI. The win pushed Monroe to 5-55 on the year while giving her a CSUB Division I record 25 career wins. The 'Runners moved to 6-9 while LMU dropped to 4-12 after the loss.

Game 2 - LMU 8, CSUB 0

The Lions took a 1-0 lead in the bottom half of the first thanks to an unearned run. Amber Mills (Jr., Fresno, Calif., Clovis West HS) got the start in the circle for CSUB and would have recorded out number three, but an error allowed LMU to take advantage. An RBI double by Alex Finie put the Lions ahead early.

Mills and the LMU starter, Rachael Farrington, went back and forth throughout the majority of the game. From the second inning to the fifth, Farrington retired 12 straight 'Runners while allowing just one hit.

Loyola Marymount finally got to Mills in the fifth inning as the Lions exploded for seven runs to end the game. Amanda Dirks and Alicia Brown capped off the scoring on Mills with a pair of doubles that brought in three runs. Lyndsay Klimenko (So., Half Moon Bay, Calif., Half Moon Bay HS) came on to relieve but gave up a two-run home run which ended the game on the run rule.

Mills took the loss, dropping her record to 1-2 on the year. Karsyn Guzman (So., Hanford, Calif., Hanford HS) had the only hit in the game for the 'Runners while recording a team-high four assists at third base. CSUB's record went to 6-10 with the loss while LMU improved to 5-12.

The 'Runners will return to the diamond Sunday morning for one more game at the LMU/CSUN Tournament. First pitch for the final game against Sacramento State is scheduled for 11 a.m. Live stats are not expected to be available for that game. Check back here after the game for results and a full recap.

~GoRunners.com~