COSTA MESA, Calif. – The Chapman University softball team returned to the field for the first time in over a year with a doubleheader at Vanguard. The Panthers faced a tough opponent for their first games of the 2021 season and fell 15-0 and 9-2.

An eight-run fourth capped the Lions' run-rule victory in game one. Chapman managed a pair of hits from sophomore Emily Hayes and junior Tracie Okumura in their first game back. Freshman Simi Lauwers made her debut in the circle, getting the start in game one.

Junior Rani Lauwers had two of the Panthers' three hits in game two and scored both runs in the 9-2 loss. Freshman Summer Lake drove in the Panthers' first run with a ground ball that brough Lauwers home from third. Lauwers later came around to score from second on sophomore Annika Briski's single into center that was misplayed in the outfield.

Freshman Katie Carder took the ball for her first start in the circle. Senior Mykala Tokunaga tossed three innings in relief, allowing just one hit and an unearned run. Junior Jessica Kim tossed the seventh inning, allowing two hits and an unearned run.

The Panthers were originally scheduled to open the season at the University of San Diego but the Toreros were forced to cancel when the team entered into a COVID pause. Chapman replaced those two games with today's doubleheader.

Chapman opens up the SCIAC season next Friday when Cal Lutheran visits to start a three-game series.

By Steven Olveda
Sports Information Director

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