May 20, 2010

DECATUR, Ala. - Simon Fraser (B.C.) and Concordia (Ore.) took captured wins in Pool C action on the opening day of the 2010 NAIA Softball National Championship at Wilson Morgan Softball Complex Thursday.

Simon Fraser defeated Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) 2-0 to improve to 22-14 on the season. The Blue Raiders fell to 45-14 with the loss. Cara Lukawesky earned the win for the Clan, entering in relief for Jennifer Van Egdom in the bottom of the fourth inning. Van Egdom gave up three hits in three innings of work and Lukawesky allowed one hit, walked one and struck out one in four innings. Anyibell Ramirez suffered the loss for Lindsey Wilson, giving up two runs on two hits in 3 1/3 innings.

Simon Fraser took two from the Blue Raiders in the bottom of the second off a two-run home run by Carly Moir after Leah Riske reached on a walk. Lindsey Wilson was unable to get any offense going and combined for just four hits in 24 trips to the plate.

Concordia (33-5) defeated Bellevue (Neb.) 3-2 in nine innings. The loss drops the Bruins' record to 32-15. Renee Santos earned her 16th win of the season for the Cavaliers, giving up just four hits and two runs, both unearned. Santos fanned 16 and walked just one in the complete-game effort. Aly Bowers took the loss for Bellevue in relief of starter Alissa Crumley. Bowers gave up one unearned run on two hits in 3 1/3 frames. Crumley went 5 1/3 on the mound, allowing six hits and two earned runs with six strikeouts.

Bellevue struck first in the top of the third after a one-out double by Erica McCoy. McCoy advanced to third and then later scored, with both advances coming on passed balls to give the Bruins a 1-0 lead. Concordia went up 2-1 in the bottom of the fourth on a two-run home run by Kyndell Andrews.

McCoy stayed hot and tied it up in the top of the fifth on a single to left, followed by a stolen base and then scored on a Cavalier throwing error. Both teams were silent until the ninth when Andrews singled and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Courtney Wooden. With Mallory Callahan at the plate, Andrews scored on an error by the shortstop to end the game. McCoy went 3-for-3 with two runs scored for the Bruins and Andrews finished at 2-for-4 and two RBI for the Cavaliers.

Friday's action in Pool C continues with Concordia meeting Lindsey Wilson at 9:30 a.m. and Simon Fraser taking on Bellevue at 2:30 p.m.