May 18, 2009

DECATUR, Ala. - Dickinson State (N.D.) University moves into the semifinals of the winner's bracket in the 29^th Annual NAIA Softball National Championships with a 6-3 win over Oklahoma City University.  The Blue Hawks sent eight-time NAIA National Champion Oklahoma City to the loser's bracket early in bracket play.

Dickinson State (40-3), ranked No. 3 in the NAIA, scored four times in the first inning to take a lead they would not give up.  Jody Lantz and Kelly Jahn posted two RBI each, while Lantz led the two with two hits.  The Blue Hawks added a run each in the fifth and sixth innings for some insurance.  Oklahoma City (51-8) rallied in the top of the seventh, but only came up with three runs, falling short of the comeback. 

Sara Jane Webster (26-2) tossed a complete game, scattering nine hits and striking out nine batters.  Lilly LeVelle (24-5) took the loss, despite holding Dickinson State to just six hits in the contest.

Dickinson State advances to play St. Gregory's (Okla.) at 1:30 p.m.  Oklahoma City drops to the loser's bracket to face Lubbock Christian (Texas) in a match up of the past two NAIA National Champions.

-NAIA-