SAN DIEGO – The San Diego softball program (19-23-1, 4-2 WCC) will conclude their 2023 non-conference slate with a rematch against Grand Canyon (37-10, 12-6 WAC) on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., at the USD Softball Complex.
 
LAST TIME OUT

• The Toreros won their fourth consecutive game, defeating CSUN, 4-0 last Wednesday in Northridge, Calif.
• Emma Giaime turned in another sensational performance in the circle, going a complete seven innings and allowing just three hits. 
• Alexia Torculas led the way with two RBI, while Izzy Owen and Mikalyn Emanuelli each generated a run of their own.

 
OPPONENT HISTORY

• San Diego is seeking its first victory over Grand Canyon and trail 0-6 in the all-time series.
• The Toreros nearly earned a win in a meeting on Mar. 7 in Phoenix, Ariz., but dropped a tight 4-3 decision. Giaime hit a solo home run and Courtney Rose struck out eight in the loss.

 
WHAT TO WATCH FOR

• San Diego has already played in 14 games separated by one run or fewer this season, with several additional games featuring late-game, high leverage situations.
• The Toreros are 14-3 in games where they register two or more extra base hits.
• The Toreros are also 10-1 overall when they score six or more runs in a game. The Toreros are 2-0 in WCC games where they reach the threshold.
• Madison Earnshaw is off to a roaring start in conference play, going 3-0 with a 0.37 ERA (19.0 IP) in three games.
• Since the start of March, the Toreros are 16-9-1 and have surged back to second place in the WCC.
• The Toreros have been adept at inducing ground balls and as a result, lead the conference in double plays per game (0.37). Owen (first), Amanda Limon (second) and EJ Joyner (fourth) dominate the WCC leaderboard in fielding assists.

 
TORERO TIDBITS

• The Toreros have already had four players take home five WCC weekly honors, as Giaime, Owen (twice), Rose and Joecellia Roberts have been honored by the league as either Player of the Week or Pitcher of the Week.
• Earnshaw (304) sits in sixth all-time in strikeouts at San Diego and needs eight more to pass Colleen Norman (311) for fifth.
• Earnshaw also sits in fifth all-time in appearances with 106. Next up is Cassidy Coleman (108) in fourth.
• Giaime has featured excellent control since entering the collegiate game and ranks second in the WCC in walks allowed per game (1.13), which also ranks 34th in the nation.
• Taylor Johnson continues to draw hit-by-pitches at an enormous rate, ranking 10th in the nation and first in the WCC in hit-by-pitches per game (0.35).
• Owen ranks second in the WCC in hits (48), batting average (.364) and third in doubles (nine).
• Emanuelli has the most stolen bases for a player not caught in the WCC, going 12-for-12 so far this season. Only three players have more total stolen bases, with each having been caught at least twice.

 
HOW TO FOLLOW
Wednesday's game will be broadcast via the WCC Network. Live stats will be provided by statbroadcast. To stay up to date with Toreros softball, follow the team on Instagram & Twitter by searching "USDsoftball".