PHOENIX-- Behind the two home runs of Madison Bundy (Sr., Anacortes, Wash., Oregon State), the CSU Bakersfield softball team earned its second WAC series win in school history. The Roadrunners held off Grand Canyon for a 9-5 victory, taking the series 2-1 and handing the Antelopes their first WAC series loss since joining the conference in 2014.

"The team played so well this weekend," said Bakersfield's head coach, Crissy Buck-Ziegler. "We hit the ball very well and played excellent defense."

The 'Runners loaded the bases in the top of the second inning with no outs. Two outs later, Sydney Raeber (Jr., Hanford, Calif., Hanford HS) earned an RBI-walk which gave CSUB a 1-0 lead. With the bases still loaded, Adrianna Cardoza (Jr., Santa Ana, Calif., La Quinta HS) sent a bases-clearing double to center field for three RBI. Alexandrea Simmons' (Jr., Ontario, Calif., Mt. SAC) third triple of the season helped the 'Runners to a 5-0 lead.

In the bottom of the second inning, Nicole Newbury got one run back for GCU with a solo shot. Monroe continued to struggle in the inning, letting two 'Lopes reach base safely. The senior fought back with a double play and a grounder to end the inning and keep CSUB ahead. A three-run third inning filled with an error and three walks allowed the 'Lopes to bring the score to 5-4.

Bundy crushed her first home run of the season to extend the 'Runner lead to 6-4. Her fourth-inning smash was the third home run of Bundy's career. Two innings later, Bundy repeated her performance by sending another ball over the fence. Her second home run helped Bundy tie the CSUB Division I record for most homers in a single game and gave the 'Runners a 7-4 lead.

Nicole Curry (Fr., Martinez, Calif., Alhambra HS) felt left out of the party, so the freshman sent her second home run of the weekend over the left field fence. Her team-leading third dinger of the season put the 'Runners up by a score of 9-4 and gave CSUB a five-run cushion with just three outs to go.

The 'Lopes were able to push one run across in the bottom of the seventh inning but Monroe and the 'Runners were able to hang on for the win. The senior allowed just four earned runs in the complete-game victory as she picked up her 12th win of the season.

Bundy and Cardoza led the way for CSUB, recording two and three RBI, respectively. Bundy had three hits in the game while Cardoza, Curry, and Guzman both recorded two hits. With the win, Bakersfield retains sole possession of third place in the WAC while sitting one game ahead of Seattle U and Utah Valley. If the 'Runners can hang on to their position in the standings, the squad will be the second seed at the WAC Tournament in May.

The 'Runners (15-20, 3-5 WAC) will return to Bakersfield for their final home series of the season next weekend. New Mexico State (34-12, 9-0 WAC) will come to town, Apr. 17-18, for the three-game set. Friday will feature a doubleheader with first pitch set for noon while Saturday will be Senior Day. CSUB will honor its seniors before a 1 p.m. start.

~GoRunners.com~