May 21, 2010

DECATUR, Ala. - Shorter (Ga.) and Point Loma Nazarene (Calif.) notched wins in Pool G action in the opening day of the 2010 NAIA Softball National Championship at Wilson Morgan Softball Complex Thursday.

Behind a no-hitter performance from junior Libby Munson, Shorter only needed two runs to knock off MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) 2-0. The defense behind Munson was vital as she struck out just three Pioneers, who's record dropped to 45-7. Shorter pushed across runs in the third and sixth innings courtesy of Munson and Charlsie Broome, respectively. The Hawks scattered nine hits and played error-free ball to improve their record to 48-14.

Point Loma Nazarene pounded out eight hits and took advantage of three Ottawa (Kan.) errors en route to a 5-1 victory in the pool's nightcap. With the win, the Sea Lions' record now stands at 29-14, while the 27-8 Lady Braves' 11-game winning streak came to a halt.

Only one bat provided multiple hits for Point Loma Nazarene with Jill Schaeffer going 2-for-4 at the plate, but it was the offense of Jessie Owens with two RBI, Jenel Guadagno and Alyc Kalamaha driving in the runs. Ottawa's efforts were led by Erin Michael's 3-for-3 outing and a 2-for-3 showing from Emily Fuerst. Furest knocked in the lone Lady Brave run in the game.

Sea Lion ace Tyler Lent struck out eight batters and yielded seven hits to the Lady Braves. Taking the loss and giving up three earned runs for Ottawa was freshman Morgan Beckler.

Point Loma Nazarene and MidAmerica Nazarene will take to the field at 12 p.m. to open up Pool G play Friday, followed by Shorter and Ottawa at 5 p.m.