STANFORD, Calif. – Stanford was unable to overcome two big innings by Grand Canyon, dropping an 11-1 decision in six innings Friday evening.
The Cardinal (13-9) took an early 1-0 lead but was unable to keep pace with the Lopes (21-3) after surrendering a seven-run third inning, which included a grand slam, and a four-run sixth inning.
Stanford had its opportunities offensively, but stranded baserunners in five-of-six innings and nine runners overall.
Bessie Noll (1-for-2) and Kristina Inouye (1-for-3) provided the power at the plate for the Cardinal, both registering a double. For Noll, it was her team-leading ninth double of the year.
It was a tough day in the circle for the Cardinal. Nikki Bauer (4-3) got the start and surrendered seven runs on seven hits with two strikeouts in 2.2 innings.
Kiana Pancino came on in relief and started strong, retiring seven batters in a row. However, Grand Canyon broke through in the sixth for a four-run rally. Pancino finished the game allowing four runs on three hits and three walks with four strikeouts in 3.1 innings.
Stanford took an early lead when Montana Dixon and Whitney Burks reached base to lead off the bottom of the second inning. Lauren Wegner brought in Dixon with a single down the left field line to give Stanford a 1-0 advantage.
The lead was short-lived, however, with Grand Canyon producing seven runs on six hits – including a grand slam – in the following frame to take a commanding 7-1 lead.
Stanford loaded the bases with one out in the bottom half of the inning but was unable to generate the hit needed to cut into the deficit.
The Cardinal produced a pair of baserunners with one out in the bottom of the fifth inning but again failed to find the hit needed to cut into Grand Canyon's lead.
Pancino retired seven straight batters before having her streak broken up by a Grand Canyon solo home run to lead off the sixth inning. The Lopes batted around its lineup to add four runs and extend its lead to 11-1.
Inouye led off the bottom half of the sixth with a double down the left field line but Stanford was unable to get a rally going to cut into the lead and prevent the run-rule decision.
The Cardinal will look to rebound Saturday with a pair of matchups against Connecticut (11:45 a.m. PT) and Lehigh (4:15 p.m.).