GSAC Second Half Begins At Home
Glendale, Ariz.- The second half of GSAC play begins this weekend for the ACU Softball. The Firestorm enter GSAC act two in a four way tie for second place in the standings which includes Hope International and Vanguard who come to the ACU Softball Field starting on Friday.
Game Details
Hope International – Friday, April 1 at 11:00 am
Vanguard – Saturday, April 2 at 11:00 am
ACU Softball Field
Arizona Christian University, Glendale, AZ
Live Coverage
Live Video- https://www.gsacsportsnetwork.com/azchristian/
Live Stats (HIU Game 1)- https://www.gsacstats.org/sports/sball/2021-22/boxscores/20220401_oxyl.xml
Live Stats (HIU Game 2)- https://www.gsacstats.org/sports/sball/2021-22/boxscores/20220401_c16a.xml
Live Stats (VU Game 1)- https://www.gsacstats.org/sports/sball/2021-22/boxscores/20220402_nkte.xml
Live Stats (VU Game 2)- https://www.gsacstats.org/sports/sball/2021-22/boxscores/20220402_ws9b.xml
Thoughts from Coach Mayben
“This is an important weekend as it relates to GSAC play and standings. We have an opportunity to protect our home turf and in so doing end the weekend as the second seed, with a good path for securing that seed going into the conference tournament. Our players are excited and ready to embrace the difficult challenge ahead as we take on two perennial powers in the GSAC conference.”
Arizona Christian
On Saturday, the Firestorm (21-12, 7-5 GSAC) swept Menlo. They begin the second part of GSAC action leading the conference in team batting average at .322, 195 runs scored, and 65 doubles. Claire Buckley leads the GSAC with her .477 average, 11 home runs, and 38 runs scored.
Key ACU Players
Buckley – .477, 16 2B, 3 3B, 11 HR, 40 RBI, 38 runs
Taylor Alto – .400, 7 2B, 3B, 19 RBI
Jyden Miles – .380, 5 2B, 15-17 stealing bases
Taylor Schleisman – .330, 9 2B, HR, 25 runs, 21 RBI
Kaitlyn Anderson – .315, 7 2B, 2 3B, HR, 17 runs, 17 RBI
Kirsten Garcia – .313, 7 2B, 3B, HR, 19 RBI, 18 runs
Savannah Smith – 13-6, 107.1 innings, 2.80 ERA, 72 strikeouts
Helen Hayes – 2-0, 37 innings, 21 strikeouts
Series Notes
The Royals and the Firestorm have faced other 33 times with HIU winning 20 of the meetings. The teams have split the last four games- all in Fullerton. Friday will be the first visit to the ACU Softball Field for the Royals.
The Lions have won 23 of the 35 meetings. HIU and VU split two games just two weeks ago. ACU won both meetings back in 2020.
Hope International
The Royals (24-13, 7-5 GSAC) split with Saint Katherine on Wednesday- winning 9-0 and losing 7-3. Makenna O’Toole homered twice on the day. Offensively on the year, the Royals are led by Skyler Mao who hits .441 with eight home runs- both second GSAC. In the circle, Allie Puente leads the GSAC with a 0.95 ERA and 233 strikeouts.
Vanguard
On Friday, the Lions (28-10, 7-5 GSAC) swept San Diego Christian 3-2 and 6-2. Brianna Williams earned her GSAC leading win number 19 in game one. Bianca Morales went 3-3 with a double, triple, and 4 RBI in game two. On the year, Morales is third in the GSAC as she hits .400. Williams is second in the GSAC with a 1.19 ERA and 118 strikeouts.
Roll Storm!
