May 17, 2008
DECATUR, Ala. - In the second day of the 2008 NAIA Softball National Championships, it came down to a face off between Simon Fraser (B.C.) University and the University of Mobile (Ala.) to determine the top seeds in pool C. Mobile came out on top after defeating the Clan from SFU 8-0 in six innings. It was Simon Fraser's first loss of the tournament, while Mobile took a loss against Oklahoma City University earlier in the day. Both SFU and Mobile finished pool play with a 3-1 record. The Stars from Oklahoma City and the Columbia (Mo.) College Cougars finished with a 2-2 record and Walsh (Ohio) University ended 0-4.
The University of Mobile began the day with a loss to OCU 7-4. The Stars got on top early, scoring three in the third, and never looked back. The Rams only threat came in the sixth when they scored three runs, but the rally fell short as they left a total of ten runners on base. Julie Harvey (13-6) recorded the win for Oklahoma City. Harvey threw 2.1 innings, giving up one hit, one earned run and four walks. The Stars combined for eight hits including a solo homerun from Laurin Hess. The Rams rebounded to defeat Simon Fraser 8-0 in six innings and secure the top seed in the pool. Mobile totaled seven hits and got help from the Clan pitching staff, who gave up eight walks. Kelyn Mendoza led the Rams offensively with a three-run homerun in the third. Ginger Reeser (20-2) got her third win on the mound in two days. She faced 23 batters, striking out seven and walking just one.
The Clan from Simon Fraser started off the day with an extra inning win, defeating the Cavaliers of Walsh 3-2 in ten innings. Christine Barr and Carly Moir combined for four of SFU's eight hits. Hurler Myriam Poirier (3-1) gave up 11 hits, three walks and struck out six on route to the win.
Columbia defeated Oklahoma City for their first win of the tournament. After the Stars taking the early lead, the Cougars came back, scoring four runs in the fourth to get the 4-2 victory. Pitcher Katie McMahon (20-5) took the win with give strikeouts and five walks. McMahon also led Columbia at the plate, going two-for-three with one run scored. Columbia got their second victory of the day, defeating Walsh 3-1 in the nightcap. The Cougars scored a run in the second and two in the seventh, while the Cavaliers scored their lone run of the ball game in the bottom of the seventh. Valerie Teter threw the win for Columbia, tallying one hit, two walks and striking out 12. Pinch-hitter Jodie Schultz homered in the seventh for the Cougars.
Bracket play will start on Monday, May 19 and will end with the championship game on Wednesday, May 21. Mobile will face Point Loma Nazarene (Calif.) at 10 a.m. and Simon Fraser will take on St. Gregory's (Okla.) at 12:30 p.m.
Pool B Standings
Mobile (Ala.): 3-1
Simon Fraser (B.C.): 3-1
Columbia (Mo.): 2-2
Oklahoma City: 2-2
Walsh (Ohio): 0-4
