LOS ANGELES – LMU softball opened up conference play with a three-game series against Santa Clara University on March 27. The Lions headed into conference play with a 22-11 record, led by head coach Tairia Flowers. Smith Field buzzed with energy from both sides of the dugouts as music blared from the speakers. Iggy the Lion even made a special appearance to toss the ceremonial first pitch.
Lindsay O’Dell ‘26 was given the start on the mound, with Izzy Jamgothchian ‘26 catching behind the plate. O’Dell had a shaky start at the top of the first inning, giving up three hits, but quickly got the game under control after that, limiting the damage to two runs scored. After that, the senior pitcher-catcher duo went eight innings in total, working through traffic on the bases and getting out of jams with double plays from the infield.
On the offensive end of the game, the Lions were quiet during the bottom of the first two innings, but started to get loud during the bottom of the third, when Rubi Lopez ‘29 hit a line drive to the third-baseline. With two outs, McKenna Charbonneau ‘29 came into the game to pinch hit for Justine Lambert ‘27. Charbonneau hit an RBI double to left center field, scoring in Taelor Walker ‘29, who reached on a fielder’s choice earlier in the inning. The score was now 2-1 Santa Clara.
They kept going in the bottom of the seventh inning. Avery Francis ‘26 reached first base on a throwing error, and Jamgotchian, who had been notably patient at the plate, earned her third walk of the game. The bases were loaded after Sydney Poole, a redshirt senior, hit a single. Francis tagged home after Sakora Harvell ‘27 reached first on a fielder’s choice. Deuces were wild as the Lions and Broncos were tied, 2-2.
However, in a game that went extra innings, the Lions came up empty after Santa Clara scored three runs in the top of the eighth, and LMU was unable to capitalize on Lopez’s single in the final inning of the game. The final score was 5-2, in favor of Santa Clara.
Stat leaders of the game were Lopez, who went 2 for 4 while both Walker and Poole went 1 for 4. O’Dell pitched her eight innings, with two strikeouts and four walks. LMU would lose the series in the next game 10-9, to SCU, but was able to win their third game, 3-2.
LMU hits the road to continue West Coast Conference play against the University of San Diego in San Diego from April 2-4. Games are available to watch on ESPN+.
