Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content

California State University at Bakersfield Athletics

Next Event

March 12, Cal State Bakersfield: CSUB vs North Dakota, at Cal State Bakersfield on March 12, 2019. David Dennis/All-Star Sports Photography
David Dennis/All-Star Sports Photography

Softball

`Runners Head for WAC Tournament in Phoenix



BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – The Western Athletic Conference Softball Tournament has arrived and CSU Bakersfield and the rest of the league are set to battle it out in Phoenix, May 8-11, with an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament on the line. The Roadrunners are set to open the championship as the No. 6 seed against third-seeded and tournament host Grand Canyon.

CSUB and GCU are meeting for the fourth time this season and the 31st time in the all-time series. After the Lopes swept the `Runners during their regular-season series just over a month ago, GCU boasts a 19-11 all-time record against Bakersfield.

Last month in Phoenix, the opening game of the series was the closest for the two teams with Grand Canyon edging Bakersfield, 3-2. Starting pitchers Daryn Hitzel and Ryan Denhart went toe-to-toe with six strong innings each, but GCU held on for the win. After that game, the series went downhill for the `Runners as the Lopes heated up on offense for 6-0 and 9-1 victories.

GCU enters the WAC Tournament as the No. 3 seed after posting a 30-22 overall record and going 12-6 in WAC play. The Lopes are led by Shea Smith, who earned a .401 batting average on the season, tied for best in the WAC. Savannah Tourville is also a danger at the plate as she finished the regular season with a .308 batting average, and team highs of 12 doubles, seven home runs, and 36 RBI.

CSUB and GCU will go head to head on Wednesday, May 8, at 5:30 p.m. (PT). If the `Runners win, they will advance to play No. 1 Seattle U on Thursday morning at 10:30. A loss would send Bakersfield into an elimination game on Thursday afternoon between the loser of Kansas City and Utah Valley's contest. All games at the WAC Softball Tournament will be shown live on ESPN+.

~GoRunners.com~
Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

Daryn Hitzel

#18 Daryn Hitzel

LHP
5' 7"
Sophomore

Players Mentioned

Daryn Hitzel

#18 Daryn Hitzel

5' 7"
Sophomore
LHP
California State University at Bakersfield Athletics loading logo