May 18, 2007

Houston Baptist University edges Bethel (Ind.) College 2-1 in extra innings at 2007 NAIA Softball National Championship

DECATUR, Ala. - Hannah Garza's RBI single in the eighth inning gave Houston Baptist University a 2-1 extra-inning victory over Bethel (Ind.) College in pool-play action at the 2007 NAIA Softball National Championship Friday (May 18) afternoon at Wilson Morgan Park.

The sixth-ranked Huskies improved to 46-11 overall and to 1-1 in Pool C while the 20^th-ranked Pilots slipped to 43-10 and 0-2. Both teams return to action Saturday (May 19). Houston Baptist will face Trevecca Nazarene University at 10 a.m. while Bethel will face Thomas (Ga.) University at 12:30 p.m.

Bethel took a 1-0 lead in the first inning on a home run by Britny Beneker to left field. It was Beneker's second long ball of the tournament. Houston Baptist leveled the game at 1 in the fifth as Melissa Wright led off with a double to center. Christina LeCompte, who pinch ran for Wright, scored when shortstop Sarah Rassi's throw on Kim Cook's grounder was wild.

In the top of the eight, Krissie Conner led off with a hit to center was sacrificed to second by Sarah Wilson.  Conner moved over to third on a ground out and scored on Garza's single to shallow left.

Kristi Malpass (16-4) picked up the win as she struck out 12. Reliever Britney Hire (23-6) absorbed the loss for the Pilots.