The Lions'' Sami Strinz led the way with a pair of hits in each game while picking up the save in the second game of the doubleheader. Loyola Marymount improved to 26-16 overall and 8-2 in the PCSC. Sacramento State, which has now lost six of its last eight games, dropped to 27-21 overall and 6-4 in the conference. Loyola Marymount takes over sole possession of first place in the PCSC standings as the Lions and Hornets entered the doubleheader tied atop the conference. The two teams will finish out the four-game series tomorrow (Saturday, April 19) at noon.

In the first game, Loyola Marymount tallied seven runs and 14 hits off Hornet pitchers Brianne Ferguson and Gina Steenburgen. Lisa Abbott (3-for-5), Strinz (2-for-4), Brittany Bassett (2-for-3), Emily Foltz (2-for-4), Jessica Grassi (2-for-4) and Tiffany Lawson (2-for-4) each had multiple-hit games as the Lions scored one run in the second inning, three more in the third and three in the fifth. The 14 hits was the second-highest output against Sacramento State pitching this season.

Loyola Marymount''s three-run third inning came via RBI-singles by Strinz, Bassett and Foltz. The Lions extended their lead to 7-1 in the top of the fifth with three more runs, highlighted by a two-run double from Casie Phillips. Loyola Marymount tallied at least one hit in every inning but the first and seventh.

Sacramento State cut the lead to 7-4 in the bottom of the fifth on a three-run home run from senior Jillian Bivert. It was Bivert''s team-leading third homer of the season as she is now four home runs shy of the Sacramento State Div. I career record of 12, set by Jill Haas (1995-98). Bivert (2-for-4 with four RBIs), freshman Lindy Winkler (2-for-3 with a walk and two runs) and junior Amber Dragomir (2-for-3) each had multiple-hit games. The rest of the Hornets lineup went a combined 1-for-21 (.048).

Samantha Lavino (8-5) got the win, allowing seven hits and four runs (three earned) in seven innings. Ferguson (10-11) lost her fourth-straight decision, allowing four runs and four hits in 2.2 innings. Steenburgen threw 4.1 innings of relief, allowing 10 hits and three runs in 4.1 innings.

In the nightcap, Loyola Marymount''s Krystal Kehr and Strinz combined to limit the Hornets to one unearned run and eight hits as the Lions went on to the victory. Loyola Marymount scored one run in the third (RBI-double from Danielle Kaminaka), one more in the fourth (RBI-double from Foltz) and one in the seventh (RBI-single from Strinz).

Sacramento State scored its only run in the fifth on an RBI-double from Winkler. The Hornets had a chance to tie the game in the sixth inning as they loaded the bases with one out. Strinz was then brought into the game in relief of Kehr and retired pinch hitters Lesley Mayhorn and Steenburgen on consecutive pitches to get out of the inning. Sacramento State left eight runners on base during the game and combined to hit just .200 (4-20) with runners in scoring position during the doubleheader.

Kehr (12-6) got the win, allowing one unearned run and eight hits in 5.1 innings while Strinz pitched a perfect 1.2 innings to notch her first save of the season. Deatherage (13-8) lost for just the second time since March 23 as she allowed three runs (two earned) and eight hits in seven innings. Winkler got on base in all but two of her plate appearances during the doubleheader, combining to go 5-for-7 with one walk, two runs and an RBI.