FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SWEEP OVER MENLO GIVES CHAPMAN FOUR STRAIGHT WINS

ORANGE, Calif. – The Chapman University women’s softball team used the long ball, and a little bit of luck, to earn a doubleheader sweep over visiting Menlo College on Wednesday afternoon at Hart Park. The Panthers won a pair of games from the Oaks 10-1 and 2-0 to win their third and fourth consecutive games and improve to 13-2 versus West Region opponents this season.

Game 1: Chapman 10, Menlo 1
The Panthers jumped on the scoreboard early, scoring four runs in the first inning, and then six more in the second to cruise to a 10-1 ‘run-rule’ win. Senior infielders Jill Jeranko and Meredith Cipolla each hit three-run home runs in Chapman’s six-run second inning. Cipolla had earlier singled in a pair of runs in the first inning, giving her a season-high five RBI in the game.

Marissa Becerra improved to 3-0 this season with a complete game three-hitter. The senior right-hander allowed just one unearned run, while striking out six batters and walking none. Becerra has thrown 25.2 innings this season without allowing an earned run and opponents are batting just .181 against her.

Game 2: Chapman 2, Menlo 0
A lucky bounce came in handy for the Panthers, who needed a little help scoring runs in the nightcap. The Panthers loaded the bases with one out in the third inning and took advantage of a wild pitch that ricocheted several times off the backstop, allowing two runners to score. Sophomore right-hander Jennifer Winford made the runs count, hurling her second shutout in as many days – a complete game four-hitter – striking out eight batters and walking just one. Winford improved to 6-2 and currently leads the staff in victories. Seniors Katherine Searing and Kailee Roeser each had a pair of hits to lead the Panthers offensively.
 

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Game stats available online:
/athletics/05-06/softball/mc-cu1.htm
/athletics/05-06/softball/mc-cu2.htm
NEXT CU SOFTBALL GAME: Sunday, March 12th vs. Fontbonne (MO); 1 p.m. & vs. Central (IA); 3:30 p.m.