MORAGA, Calif. — With one series to go in conference play, the Gaels (28-20, 8-4 WCC) find themselves alone atop the WCC standings. Ahead of both LMU and Santa Clara by one game, the Gaels host the Lions this weekend, while Santa Clara will host San Diego in a weekend that'll decide who will represent the WCC in the NCAA Regionals.
THE DETAILS
Saint Mary's Gaels vs LMU Lions
May 9 - 11, Cottrell Field – Moraga, Calif.
G1: Thursday, May 9 at 3 PM | WATCH |
LIVE STATS
G2: Friday, May 10 at 12 PM | WATCH |
LIVE STATS
G3: Friday, May 10, 30 minutes after the culmination of G2 | WATCH |
LIVE STATS
G4: Saturday, May 11 at 12 PM | WATCH |
LIVE STATS
THE TITLE CHASE
Heading into the final weekend, the Gaels are in the driver's seat when it comes to title talks in the WCC. They hold a one game lead over LMU and Santa Clara. If the Gaels sweep LMU, they win the conference title. If they take three of four over LMU, and San Diego is able to pick up at least one win over Santa Clara, the Gaels would still win the conference. If the Gaels and LMU split, and San Diego either splits or wins their series over Santa Clara, the the Gaels are WCC Champs. If LMU takes three of four against the Gaels and San Diego takes at least one over Santa Clara, then LMU would be WCC Champs, however, if this instance occurs and Santa Clara sweeps San Diego, then Santa Clara would be WCC Champs. If LMU sweeps SMC, then LMU would be conference champs.
SENIOR SALUTE
As Saturday will be the final home game of the 2024 season, the Gaels will take the chance to honor their four seniors playing in their final game at Cottrell Field, along with their three graduating senior team managers. Team managers Derek O'Connor, Mackenzie Brikovich and Cobi Doughetry have all been invaluable parts of the SMC Softball program. Jocelyn Bryant, Angelina Franco, Marissa Montelongo and Marissa Nishihara have combined to play in 479 games for the Gaels, and all have provided incredible leadership on and off the field, as the Gaels have put together their best season in 14 years, They are still in the hunt to make this the winningest season in program history with three more wins this year.
ABOUT THE LIONS
LMU will enter the series at 26-23 on the year, and tied for second in the WCC at 7-5. They took three of four over Santa Clara earlier this year, so they hold the tiebreaker over the Broncos. The Lions were the preseason favorites to win the WCC, and fourth year Head Coach Tairia Flowers looks for her third straight trip to the NCAA Regionals. This team can be characterized by two words: power hitting. With four players who have left the yard at least six times, led by Izzy Jamgotchian's 13 dingers, the Lions swing for the fences in nearly every game. In the circle, Jenna Perez has been one of the best in the WCC since joining the Lions in 2022. This year has been no exception, as she enters with a 13-9 record and a 2.32 ERA. All-time LMU leads the series 72-35, as the Gaels search for their first series win over the Lions since 2012.
#GaelsRise
