Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

SAN FRANCISCO – Buoyed by Marisa Ibarra's four-hit shutout, the San Francisco State softball team kicked off its 13-game homestand in style with a 3-0 victory over Grand Canyon in the opener of a non-conference doubleheader on Friday. However, the Antelopes turned the tables with a 4-3 triumph in the nightcap, surviving a late Gator rally to avoid the sweep.
 
With the results, SF State moves to 6-17 on the season, while Pac West Conference member GCU stands at 11-8 overall.
 
Ibarra enjoyed another fine performance in the circle, scattering four hits and four walks, while striking out six batters to raise her record to 4-5 on the year. Despite stranding 10 runners, the Gators provided their starting pitcher just enough offense as Kylie Herrada, Kelsey Murakami, Torrey Rook and Cara Spence finished with two hits apiece.
 
The Purple and Gold never trailed in the contest after grabbing a 1-0 lead in the first inning on three consecutive singles by Herrada, Murakami and Herrada off reigning Pac West Pitcher of the Week Kiley Raica (7-3), who absorbed the loss after surrendering all three runs on 12 hits to go along with five strikeouts of her own.
 
With Ibarra cruising, SF State was poised to give itself some additional breathing room in the sixth after putting the first three batters aboard. Courtney Gravel set the table with a lead-off hit; Cara Spence was struck by a pitch, while Kelly Mast followed with a timely bunt single.  Moments later, Jordan Brenner's grounder found daylight through the right side to bring home Gravel, while Herrada followed with an infield hit to plate pinch-runner Jenna Robertson, who previously entered for Spence.
 
GCU threatened with two outs in the sixth after a Stephanie Smith single and a walk to Vanessa Chavez. However, Ibarra received a swinging strike three from pinch-hitter Nicole Upshaw to avert disaster.  The Gator junior then set the visitors down in order in the seventh for her first shutout of the season.
 
However, the 'Lopes struck early with a pair of runs in the first inning of game two as Lauren Regester's long single to center field plated Smith and Kara Holtorf.
 
SF State had a chance to respond in its half of the frame as Herrada and Murakami drew consecutive walks, before GCU starter Brittany Manzoline collected a strikeout and a groundout to squelch the threat.
 
The Gators also came up empty in the second after loading the bases with one out.  However, Manzoline once again fought herself off the ropes on a force play at home, followed by an infield pop-up.
 
Leading 2-0, the 'Lopes tallied two big insurance runs on Kelsey Barak's sacrifice fly in the fifth and Smith's RBI groundout in the sixth.
 
SF State then loaded the bases in the bottom of the inning as Spence and Brenner each drew a walk sandwiched around a Summer Powell single to left.  After a force play at the plate, the 'Lopes were primed to duplicate the feat; however, Powell beat the throw home this time on Herrada's grounder to first, while Murakami followed with a base hit to knock in Brenner.  Moments later, yet another force play went awry for GCU as Jenna Wermes reached on a fielder's choice, while Murakami slid in safely at second on a bobbled throw, which enabled Jensen to score.
 
Trailing 4-3, the Gators were unable to complete the rally as Raica returned to the circle, pitching the final 1 2/3 innings to nail down her second save of the year.  Despite walking six batters, Manzoline (2-1) was credited with the win after ceding two runs on five hits in five-plus inning of work. Conversely, SF State starter Ali Garcia (1-3) went the distance, but was saddled with the hard-luck loss after surrendering all four runs (one earned) on six hits and three walks.
 
The two teams will wrap up their weekend series with a single contest on Saturday, beginning at 11 a.m.

Game One Box Score

Game Two Box Score