BURNABY, BC – Simon Fraser University scored early and often to defeat the University of British Columbia 9-2 Sunday afternoon in an exhibition softball game at Beedie Field.
 
The victory ended an eight game losing streak by SFU that took them out of post-season contention in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference.  
 
"It was a much-needed win for us, especially getting our bats going and getting two solid pitching performances," said Clan head coach Mike Renney.  "It was an emotional game for our team because it was our last game on our home field and I really liked the way we came to play."
 
The win gave the Clan the season series against the T-Birds. The two teams split a doubleheader earlier in the season, with the Clan winning 6-3 after losing the first game 8-4.
 
"There is always pressure playing against UBC and for us to come out ahead is important," added Renney.  "Both times UBC scored runs today we answered back with our bats."
 
Simon Fraser pounded the T-Birds for 16 hits.
 
Watch the game on Clan TV On-Demand here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYYPQ8hCRac
 
The broadcast features head coach Mike Renney's pre-game talk to the Clan and alumna Tricia Bouchard providing play-by-play commentary.
 
The Clan set the tone early, jumping out to a 2-0 first inning lead on two-out triples from seniors Danielle Raison and Kaitlyn Cameron. Raison hit a shot off the wall in left centre and then scored on an RBI single from first base Alex Baylak. Cameron tripled down the right field line to score Baylak.
 
Simon Fraser picked up another two runs with a four hit third inning for a 4-0 lead. UBC cut into the margin after Shay Kaplen tripled to lead off the fourth inning and later scored.
 
Clan junior Jessica Goulet pitched a two-hitter through four innings before giving way to freshman Alia Stachoski in the fifth. Goulet struck out three batters, leaving the game with a 4-1 lead. Stachowski pitched the final three, giving up four hits while striking out two.
 
"It was pre-designed for the pitchers to go four and three innings each so even though Jessica was in control I wanted to get Alia some work, too," said Renney.
 
Simon Fraser picked up another run off a rally in the fifth inning and Raison hit a two-run home run, her second of the season, in the sixth inning, to increase the lead to 7-2. A two RBI double to left centre by Taylor Gillis completed the scoring, 9-2.
 
Cameron went 3-for-4 at the plate while third base Stephanie Sheard went 4-for-5.
 
SFU returns to action on Saturday, April 25, when the Clan plays WWU in Bellingham beginning at noon.