May 22, 2007

SIMON FRASER BATTLES THROUGH THE LOSER'S BRACKET

The Clan of Simon Fraser Use Offensive Power

Decatur, Ala. - From the 2007 NAIA National Softball Championship at Wilson Morgan Park in Decatur, Alabama, Simon Fraser University (B.C.) (25-4) continued their offensive storm with an 10-3 victory over St.Gregory's University (Okla.) (36-13) in the first game of action on Tuesday.

Although St. Gregory's posted two runs to the scoreboard first in the contest, Simon Fraser took advantage of their offensive storm scoring five runs in the top of the fifth inning to take the lead and never look back. Senior Erin McLean led off the inning with a double down the left field line and advanced to third base on a wild pitch.  McLean later scored on a single by Junior Melanie Matthews.  With the bases loaded, Sophomore Christine Barr hit her third homerun of the tournament to give Simon Fraser a 5-2 lead. In the top of the fifth inning, Carolyn Bell hit a home run to bring her total for the tournament to three while Matthews hit her fourth in the top of the seventh. Matthews led the Clan offensively going 4-for-4 with three runs scored and three RBI.

Senior Jennifer Schreyer improved her record to 18-3 on the season coming in relief in the second inning.  Schreyer pitched five and two-thirds innings with five strikeouts and allowing one earned run.

Entering today's games, Simon Fraser ranks in the top five in two offensive categories including team batting average (.341) and runs batted in (32). Senior Rebecca Hartley currently leads the championship with 12 RBI while teammate Erin McClean is hitting .630 (12-for-19).

In the bottom of the second inning for St. Gregory's, the Lady Cavaliers posted two runs to the scoreboard.  Jessica Reed reached on a single through the hole at second base.  Pinch running for Reed was Brandi Waite who later scored on a fielder's choice.  The second run of the inning came when shortstop Laura Mehl scored after reaching on a base on balls. The Lady Cavaliers added one additional run in the bottom of the fourth inning. St. Gregory's had three players with two hits each in the contest, Brittany Dojak, Jessica Reed, and Mehl.

Sharon Bell suffered the loss to drop her record to 36-12 on the season.  Bell pitched seven complete innings allowing seven earned runs and striking out 10 batters. Currently leading all tournament pitchers, Bell leads with 77 strikeouts.

Entering today's games, Simon Fraser ranks in the top five in two offensive categories including team batting average (.341) and runs batted in (32). Senior Rebecca Hartley currently leads the championship with 12 RBI while teammate Erin McClean is hitting .630 (12-for-19).

Simon Fraser advances to face the winner of Trevecca Nazarene University and California Baptist being played at 12:30 p.m.  St. Gregory ends their season and hopes for a national title.