GRAPEVINE, Texas — CIU softball's unbeaten run at the NCCAA World Series came to an end late Tuesday night as the Rams fell 2-1 in the battle of unbeatens at Oak Grove Softball Complex. After opening the double-elimination tournament with back-to-back wins, the Rams were edged in a tightly contested pitchers' duel despite matching their opponent with seven hits.
The Eagles broke through in the third inning with an RBI single, then added what proved to be the decisive run in the fifth with another RBI knock. CIU answered in the sixth inning. Hannah Murphy led off with a single before advancing on a sacrifice bunt from Caydon Thompson. Gabriella Czuczuk then drove Murphy home with an RBI double to center field to cut the deficit to 2-1.
The Rams threatened throughout the night but stranded seven runners and were unable to find the equalizer in the seventh. Tristan Phillips led CIU offensively with two hits, while Murphy also recorded a two-hit performance. Isabella Davis took the loss after allowing two runs on six hits over five innings, while Abby Ragan was outstanding in relief, tossing two scoreless innings with three strikeouts.
Up Next: CIU will look to keep its championship hopes alive Wednesday at 1 p.m. CST when the Rams face Southwestern Christian in an elimination game, with the winner advancing to the NCCAA World Series championship round.
