June 1, 2006

LEWISTON, Idaho - Nick Pauza and Chris Kissock may only seem like pitchers who have rubber arms.

Both right-handers came up with impressive complete-game performances in pitching six-hitters to lead Lubbock Christian and Lewis-Clark State College, respectively, to victories at the 50^th annual Avista NAIA World Series at LCSC's Harris Field on Wednesday.

Pauza, a 6-foot-1 junior, improved to 14-3 overall by throwing 158 pitches in going the distance to help Lubbock Christian hand Cumberland University its first loss in the 10-team double-elimination tournament. Pauza struck out 13 as LCU prevailed 6-5.

Kissock was up to task as well, throwing 169 pitches to help Lewis-Clark State eliminate the University of British Columbia 4-1. Kissock, a 6-4 sophomore, struck out eight and walked five.

With just three teams left in the tournament, Lewis-Clark State found itself in the title game because it has not received a bye in the tournament while both Lubbock Christian and Cumberland received second-round byes. Tournament rules stipulate any team that has not received a bye will get one before another team will receive a second bye.

That means Lubbock Christian, 50-16 overall, and Cumberland, 50-17, will meet again Thursday night, also at 7 p.m. with the winner advancing to play LCSC, 46-8, in Friday's title tilt, also at 7 p.m. Lubbock Christian is looking for its first title since 1983 when it defeated LCSC 12-9, while Cumberland won its only title two years ago. LCSC has won 13 titles, more than any other NAIA school, with the last coming three years ago.

Pauza pitched himself out of a couple of jams to pick up his second victory of the tournament. He beat LCSC in the opening round.

Payden Morgan, the Chaparrals No. 9 hitter, had two hits and two RBI, while Blandon Hancock added two hits. Cumberland's Dorian Rojas slugged a two-run home run in the first inning, but LCU took the lead for good with a three-run third inning. Rojas finished with two hits and two RBI for Cumberland.

LCSC rode Kissock to its fifth victory over UBC in six meetings this year. The win also was the 1,500^th for LCSC coach Ed Cheff in his 30 years at the school. Cheff, 63, became only the third coach to reach the plateau and the only coach to win 1,500 solely at the NAIA level.

Allen Balmer had two hits and drove in the game's first run, while pinch-hitter Juan Verdejo had an RBI single in the sixth that broke a 1-1 tie. Davey Wallace had two hits for UBC, which finishes at 49-14.

-NAIA-

A leader in the development of student-athletes, the NAIA is committed to changing the culture of sport through Champions of Character. Founded in 1937, the NAIA continues to be a pioneer in implementing exceptional standards for academics, diversity, and character. Today, the NAIA sponsors 23 collegiate championships in 13 sports for its nearly 300 member institutions throughout the United States and Canada.