COLUMBIA, S.C. - CIU softball opened day two of the NCCAA South Region Tournament with a semifinal contest against the No. 3 seed Trinity Baptist College (Fla.). Last night, the Eagles took down the No. 2 seed Carolina University (N.C) in game two of the tournament to secure a spot in the winner bracket semifinal round. The Rams were clicking on all cylinders offensively and cruised to a 16-5 route of the Eagles, advancing to the championships game on Thursday.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
SEMIFINAL: CIU 16 TBC 5: CIU got things rolling in the first inning, scoring an impressive nine runs to take a comfortable lead. The Eagles would find life in the bottom of the second inning, scoring four runs to trim the Ram's advantage. CIU proceeded to add a run in each of the following three innings to take a 12-4 lead. TBC added a run in the fifth, but the Rams answered with four runs in the top of the sixth to claim a run rule victory in game 3 of the tournament.
BOX SCORE NOTES:
- Kaitlynn Creel had another solid outing, going 2-of-3 with an RBI.
- Lauren Baker had herself a day at the plate, going 3-of-4 with four RBIs.
- The Rams outhit the Eagles 14-10.
- Mary Esterak came in as relief and pitched four solid innings, allowing only one earned run with three strikeouts.
What Coach Sara Allen is saying:
"I'm very pleased with how we played today. We came out ready to fight from the first pitch and never let up. Very happy for the girls that they've earned the opportunity to play in the first championship game in program history tomorrow!"
Up Next:
CIU will take on Trinity Baptist College (Fla.) again in the championship game. The first pitch is scheduled for 2 PM. For more tournament details, click here.
