ORANGE, Calif. – The Chapman University softball team rebounded from an early game loss to split a doubleheader with La Verne on Saturday at El Camino Real Park. Freshman Summer Lake drove in five RBIs in the doubleheader to lead the Panthers.

GAME 1 – L 8-2

La Verne made its return to the diamond for the first time since March 2020 and came out determined for a win. Chapman jumped on top early but La Verne used a pair of three-run innings to pull away late for the win.

Freshman Simi Lauwers did not allow a hit in her first trip through the lineup but ran into trouble in the fourth when La Verne broke through. Chapman previously took a 2-0 lead in the third on back-to-back RBI singles from Lake and Alyssa Ahinger.

Cal Lutheran broke through with a double on Lauwers to get their first hit of the season. The Leopards loaded the bases and tied the game on a pinch hit single to right. Another spinning blooper in front of the circle was enough to bring another run home with two outs and give La Verne the lead.

The Leopard continued to tack on run and came away with the 8-2 win. Chapman had nine hits but left nine runners on base.

Game 2 – W, 11-3

Chapman bounced back with a run-rule victory in the nightcap of the doubleheader. The game really just boiled down tot the third inning when Chapman scored all 11 of its runs. The Panthers sent 14 batters to the plate and pounded eight hits.

Lake had a pair of two-RBI hits, including a game-tying triple to the gap in right center. With two on and no outs, Lake split the outfielders and the ball rolled all the way to the wall to tie the game 2-2.

The Panthers were just getting starte as Mykala Tokunaga, who earned the win in the circle, squeezed in Lake for the lead and wound up when first when no one covered on the bunt. The Panthers continued to pour it on as Zela Chahbazian singled in a run with a screaming liner into left.

Tracie Okumura and Julia Muniz added in RBI hits while Allie Tajii, who led off the inning with a walk, drew a bases loaded walk. Another two-RBI hit from Lake made it 9-2 and Annika Briski hit a towering fly ball off the right field fence to score two more before she was cut down at third.

Jessica Kim closed out the final two innings in the circle and the Panthers secured the twinbill split.

Chapman and La Verne conclude their series tomorrow in La Verne at 2 p.m.

By Steven Olveda
Sports Information Director

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