May 18, 2007

Saint Gregory's University nips Tiffin University 2-0 at 2007 NAIA Softball National Championship

DECATUR, Ala. - Saint Gregory's University scored two runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to pull out a 2-0 victory over Tiffin University in pool-play action at the 2007 NAIA Softball National Championship Friday (May 18) afternoon at Wilson Morgan Park.

The 10^th-ranked Cavaliers improved to 36-11 overall and to 2-0 in Pool D while the 20^th-ranked Dragons fell to 35-11 and 0-2. Both teams return to action Saturday (May 19). Saint Gregory's will take on Point Loma Nazarene University at 10:30 a.m. while Tiffin will face William Penn University at 1 p.m.

Jessica Reed started the deciding rally with a walk off Tiffin starter Krista Sowers (15-6), who only allowed three hits and struck out eight. After Brandi Waite was inserted as a pinch hitter for Reed, Laura Mehl sacrificed Waite to second. Pinch hitter Kayla Jackson doubled to left-center field to score Waite. Jackson took advantage of  a throwing error by Tracy Lehman on the play to take a 2-0 lead.

Sharon Bell (36-10) picked up the win as she allowed just three hits and struck out six.