May 23, 2006

Decatur, Ala. - At the NAIA Softball National Championship at Wilson Morgan Park in Decatur, Alabama, California Baptist University (55-6) came from behind to defeat Trevecca Nazarene University (Tenn.) (47-15) 2-1 in the loser's bracket in day four of the tournament to continue their quest for a national title.

A scoreless inning heading into the bottom of the fifth inning, Trevecca Nazarene was the first team to post a run to the scoreboard.  Left fielder Jennifer Perkins hit a one-out double to deep left center field.  Coming in to pinch run for Perkins was Jessie Leary, who then proceeded to steal second base.  Shortstop Laura Redmon executed a bunt to score Leary for Trevecca's only run of the game.

Heading into the top of the sixth inning, Trevecca carried a one-run lead over California Baptist but the Lancers rallied in the inning to score two runs to take the lead.  Chantal Millard bunted for a single to place the first runner in scoring position and eventually scored the first run on a single by Nikki Lowe to center field.  Also scoring on the single by Lowe was Tami Trujillo, who previously reached on a single after the ejection of Head Coach Mike Smith by the home plate umpire.

Offensively, the Lancers scattered five hits among five players while Candice Thomas earned the victory to improve her season record to 35-3.

For Trevecca in the game, Perkins led the Trojans going 2-for-3 while Brittany Johnson suffered the loss to drop her record to 35-11 on the season.  With the loss Trevecca is eliminated from their quest for a national title.

California Baptist advances in the loser's bracket to face Simon Fraser University (B.C.) (33-5) at 5:30 p.m. today.