May 20, 2011

Box Score

GULF SHORES, Ala. – Simon Fraser (B.C.) (18-24) broke through for three runs in the sixth inning en route to a 4-3 victory over Lubbock Christian (Texas) (51-10) on the second day of pool play action at the 2011 NAIA Softball National Championship Friday.

Both starting pitchers were fantastic through five innings. Lubbock hurler Alyssa Freight had a shutout going into the sixth inning, while SFU pitcher Cara Lukawesky allowed a single run in the third.

But in the top of the sixth, the SFU bats woke up for three runs. The Clan sent seven batters to the plate and finally got to Freight. The scoring occurred all with two outs. Brittany Mayers got the rally started with a single to left-center. Her pinch-runner, Jodie Hartman, eventually scored on a RBI-single by Lauren Mew that tied the score at 1-1. Rosie Murphy delivered the big blow, a two-run RBI double to right-field, that scored Mew and Megan Durrant.

Lubbock Christian made things interesting in the bottom of the seventh after Simon went up 4-1. Kayla Van Dieren notched her 13^th home run of the season, a two-run blow. But Lukawesky eliminated the threat by retiring Latainna Eltsosie on a liner to left after Kim Frazier singled.

Lukawesky moved to 16-8 on the season pitching the complete-game, seven hitter. She struck out four and walked four.

Freight was hit with the loss after going 6.1 innings. She allowed all four runs (three earned) on eight hits. She dropped her season record to 12-4.

The Lubbock Christian defense faltered throughout the game with four errors.

Durrant and Murphy led the Clan with a 2-for-3 effort at the dish. Kayla Van Dieren went 4-for-4 with three RBIs for the Lady Chaps.

In the final day of pool-play action Saturday, Simon Fraser is scheduled to play Simpson (Calif.) at 9:30 a.m. CDT. Lubbock Christian will face Reinhardt (Ga.) at 2:30 p.m.

For the complete schedule, click here.