May 24, 2006

Decatur, Ala. - At the NAIA Softball National Championship at Wilson Morgan Park in Decatur, Alabama, California Baptist University (57-6) defeated Point Loma Nazarene University (Calif.) (46-17) 7-0 in the semifinal game and continued to add to their school record for most wins in a season which was established yesterday.

The Lancers put together two strong innings in the fourth and fifth to take a lead and never look back.  The first runner to score was Geanie Jenkins who reached on a fielder's choice and scored on a single by Shannon Brandt.  Nikki Lowe after reaching by base on balls, scored the second run of the inning off when Casandrah Carreon singled to shallow center field.  The final of the run of the inning came when Brandt scored on a wild throw by Mackenzie Gerke.  In the bottom of the fifth inning for California Baptist all three runs scored off a three-run homerun by Jenkins who increased her season total to 14.

Point Loma struggled to get runners on base, leaving one runner on base in five of the seven innings but never really threatening the Lancer's lead.

Candice Thomas earned the victory for California Baptist to improve her season record to 37-3 on the season, pitching seven complete innings of play allowing eight hits and no runs.  Katie McColeman and K.C. Robertson combined for the Point Loma loss. 

California Baptist advances to the championship game to play the University of Mobile (Ala.) (49-2) at 12:30 p.m. today.