Sun Devils finish fall slate with statement win over GCU

(Photo credit: Maya Diaz/WCSN)

TEMPE — Arizona State softball entered Wednesday’s rematch against Grand Canyon looking to avenge its loss from earlier this month. On Oct. 2, GCU won 5-3 in ASU’s lone away game for this fall slate.

ASU wanted to flip the script and beat the Lopes, and the Sun Devils did just that to end their fall schedule.

In the first inning, GCU went down in order as the Sun Devils showcased phenomenal defense and great pitching. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Meika Lauppe helped to limit the Lopes’ offense and hold GCU scoreless. However, the first inning went the same for ASU, as the Sun Devils left their leadoff runner stranded by going down in order.

ASU started the second inning with a diving grab from freshman infielder Tiare Ho-Ching. The Lopes got back on track through a hit, but Lauppe managed back-to-back outs including her first strikeout of the night. The Sun Devils opened up the scoring and put on an offensive clinic after a leadoff single by junior infielder Katie Chester. Then, freshman outfielder Ashley Mejia was hit by a pitch, and freshman catcher Lillian Holtje notched another single for ASU.

Two outs later the bases were still loaded for senior utility AJ Murphy, who laced a line-drive single to put the Sun Devils on the board first. With the bases still full, junior outfielder Tanya Windle slapped a bases-clearing double to give ASU an early 4-0 lead. Right before the end of the inning, sophomore catcher Samantha Swan delivered an RBI knock, extending the Sun Devils’ lead even more to five runs heading into the third.

GCU struggled to get back in the game after another quick inning of work for Lauppe. ASU returned to its hot form with a leadoff home run by Chester and another hit for Holtje. Then, freshman infielder Takyla Davis smashed a second home run, boosting the Sun Devils’ lead to 8-0.

A spark ignited for the Lopes, as they finally got on the board after a single and a pair of RBIs. Then, GCU sharply hit a double into the left field gap, bringing in the Lopes’ third run of the game.

However, ASU wouldn’t let that last long with the Sun Devils gaining one more run to make the score 9-3 in their favor. After a scoreless fifth inning, the Sun Devils reignited their bats with a single from Windle.

ASU’s freshman right-handed pitcher Cambree Creager allowed one base runner, then finished her inning with three consecutive strikeouts. Creager’s lone inning secured the save for the Sun Devils, giving ASU the win to end their official fall ball schedule.

The Sun Devils pitching dominated all night, most notably through a great performance by Lauppe. She went four innings, striking out three batters, and only allowing three runs. Two scoreless innings from freshman right-handed pitcher Julianne Tipton set up Creager for the save.

ASU’s bats were active at Farrington Stadium, showing flashes of what could be in store for the spring. The Sun Devils had notable performances from Windle, who went 3-for-4 with a pair of RBIs, and Chester who had a 2-for-4 day at the plate with a huge home run, all of which helped ASU win 9-3.

Wednesday’s game was the Sun Devils’ last one of the fall against another opponent. They will still have two scrimmages before they turn their attention towards preparing for the spring season, their first in the Big 12 Conference.