May 23, 2006

Decatur, Ala. - At the NAIA Softball National Championship at Wilson Morgan Park in Decatur, Alabama, California Baptist University (56-6) set a new school record for wins in a season when they defeated Simon Fraser University (B.C.) (33-6) 4-3 in the loser's bracket during day four action of the tournament.

Junior Candice Thomas pitched a complete seven-inning game to improve her record to 36-3 on the season.  The ace for California Baptist came into today's games with a 0.81 earned run average and 11 shutouts.  In today's contest she allowed three runs on eight hits and struck out eight batters.  Freshman Nikki Lowe led the Lancers offensively going 3-for-3 on the day with one run scored.

The Lancers scored two runs in the bottom of the second inning when left fielder Casandrah Carreon hit a two-run home run off Jennifer Schreyer.  In the bottom of the fourth inning, junior Geanie Jenkins led off with a single which forced Simon Fraser to bring in Melissa Oddie in relief.  Kellie Maconachy singled down the left field line to score Jenkins which gave the Lancers a 4-0 lead.

In the top of the sixth inning, Simon Fraser rallied for three runs to attempt to take a lead but fell short by one run.  Junior Erin McLean hit a one-out single to shallow left center and advanced to second on a single by Becca Hartley.  Shortstop Terra Davenport nailed a pitch to deep left center field to score three runs.  Schreyer suffered the loss to drop her record to 17-2 on the season.

California Baptist advances to play Point Loma Nazarene University (Calif.) (46-16) in the championship game of the loser's bracket at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday.  The University of Mobile (Ala.) (49-2) awaits the winner of that game to play for the 2006 NAIA softball national title.  Defending champion Simon Fraser ends their season with an overall record of 33-6.