May 21, 2010

DECATUR, Ala. - Madonna (Mich.) and Oklahoma City claimed wins in Pool H action in the opening day of the 2010 NAIA Softball National Championship at Wilson Morgan Softball Complex Thursday.

Madonna scored a run in the second, third and fourth innings to pull out a 3-1 victory over Concordia (Calif.). The Crusaders improved to 43-10, while the Eagles fell to 41-19. Jess Irwin took the win for Madonna in a complete-game effort. She allowed just one run on two hits with six walks and 12 strikeouts. Rachel Reekstin gave up three runs, one of which was earned, on five hits with five walks and seven strikeouts to take the loss for Concordia.

Ali Robinson, Rachael Kethe and Kelly Lesko each scored a run for the Crusaders. Shannon Walton went 1-for-3 for the Eagles and scored the lone run.

Oklahoma City defeated Minot State (N.D.) 4-1 to improve to its season mark to 41-11, while the Beavers dropped to 32-14 with the loss. Lily LaVelle threw all seven innings for the Stars to earn the win. She fanned 15 while only walking two and giving up just one earned run on six Minot State hits. Mandy Greenberg tossed a complete game and issued four runs on seven hits with no walks and four strikeouts in the loss.

Defending NAIA Player of the Year Amanda Howard went 1-for-4 with an RBI for the Stars. Kelby Roberson added two hits and LeeAnn Lopez recorded one hit with one run scored and one RBI. Jen Davis contributed to the defensive effort with 15 putouts.

Tiffany Friesen went 2-for-3 for the Beavers at the plate. Her solo shot over the left-field fence in the bottom of the second inning was the lone score in the game for Minot State.

Friday's action in Pool H will feature Oklahoma City taking on Madonna at 11:30 a.m. followed by Concordia (Calif.) and Minot State at 4:30 p.m.