Las Vegas, NV - The Simon Fraser University softball team dropped a pair of games at the Desert Stinger hosted by Montana State University Billings on Saturday, losing 8-2 to Minot State before falling to Grand Canyon University, 7-1.
"We played against two teams that were undefeated and had some game exeperience and right now they are better then us," said head coach Mike Renney. "We're not gonna dwell on the record, it's not good right now but it's part of the process."
"This is our first time outdoors this year and we're using the experience to get battle tested. Our opponents are tough but hopefully it will be a learning experience for our team," continued Renney.
Cara Lukawesky (Coquitlam, BC) pitched the complete game for the Clan against Minot State, allowing eight runs, six of which were earned, as she took her second loss of the season.
She struck out seven in the contest.
Kaitlyn Cameron (Langley, BC) and
Danielle Raison (Langley, BC) each went two for four in the loss for SFU.
Lauren Kolanko (North Vancouver, BC) and
Alex Baylak (Regina, SK) each scored a run while
Carly Lepoutre (Pickering, ON) had the only run batted in for SFU.
Minot State scored two runs in the first, three in the second and one in the third to open up a 6-0 lead on the Clan.
SFU answered back with runs in the fourth and fifth but Minot State sealed the win with a pair of runs in the sixth inning.
Kelsie Hawkins (Victoria, BC) got the start for the Clan in their second game of the day against Grand Canyon University.
Hawkins pitched a complete game, allowing seven runs all of them earned, also taking her second loss of the season.
Despite allowing seven earned runs, Hawkins and the Clan finished the day strong. After Grand Canyon jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the top of the first inning, Hawkins and her teammates shut their opponents for the next six innings.
Trisha Bouchard (Montreal, QC) went two for three for SFU and scored the only run of the game for the Clan. Cameron got the hit that drove in Bouchard, recording the only run batted in of the game for SFU.
"Against GCU, we gave up seven in the first inning and then none the rest of the game, it was a good finish but we know we still have some work to do," finished Renney.
The Clan, now 0-4 in non-conference play, will wrap up the Desert Stinger Tournament on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. against Colorado Mines.
After the game, the Clan will head for Hawaii where they will play three games against Chaminade University, Hawaii Pacific and Brigham Young University Hawaii next week.
