2015 NCAA Softball Tournament: Regionals Day 4 Wrap Up
Day four of the 2015 NCAA Softball Tournament took place on Sunday, May 17. There were some games that were started on Saturday, but weather forced them to finish on Sunday. Those games are included below.
Thursday’s recaps can be found here, Friday’s can be found here, and Saturday’s can be found here.
Note: Games will be added to their respective regional as they are completed.
Gainesville Regional – Regional Final Game 1
It was a struggle for the top seeded Florida Gators, but they got the job done in extra innings with a 1-0 win over Florida Atlantic. Lauren Haeger hit a double to right center field to provide the Gators with the lone run they needed.
The Gators had trouble getting runners in scoring position as FAU’s Amanda Wilson pitched a very good game. In the top of the sixth, the Gators’ Justine McLean walked, advanced to second on a ground out, and stole third, but could not get home.
In the top of the seventh, the Gators were able to load the bases with one out. Taylor Schwarz hit a grounder to the short stop who went home to keep it scoreless. Kayli Kvistad pinch hit for Aubree Munro, but ground out to end the frame.
The Owls were able to get runners on first and second with one out, but a fly out and strike out sent the game into extra innings.
In the top of the eighth, Kelsey Stewart hit a single to right field and a fielder’s choice left the Gators with a runner on first and two outs. Up came Haeger who crushed the ball to right center field and Kirsti Merritt came home to make it 1-0.
The Owls went down in order to put the Gators into the Super Regionals next week. The Gators will host the Kentucky Wildcats next weekend in a best of three series.
South Bend Regional – Regional Final Game 1
The Kentucky Wildcats have made their third straight Super Regional after a comeback victory against Notre Dame. The Wildcats won 4-3 after scoring two runs in the top of the seventh.
The Wildcats took the lead in the top of the third after Griffin Joiner was walked to bring home Kara Howard. The Irish responded in the bottom half of the inning with RBI single from Emilee Koerner and Micaela Arizmendi. The Irish led 2-1 after three innings.
Kentucky tied the game in the top of the fifth with a solo blast from Nikki Sagermann, but the Irish responded in the bottom of the sixth with a lead off homer of their own from Cassidy Whidden to make it 3-2.
In the top of the seventh, Kentucky had runners on first and second with two outs. Joiner came through again to tie the game with an RBI single and Christian Stokes also scored on a throwing error by the Irish.
The Irish were led off the bottom of the with a single by Jenna Simon who also stole second base. After a ground out put Simon on third with one out, both Koerner and Katey Haus popped out in the infield to give Kentucky the win.
Kentucky has moved on to the Super Regional and will face the top seeded Florida Gators next weekend to determine one of the eight spots in the 2015 College World Series.
Tallahassee Regional – Regional Final Game 1
Florida State took care of business in their Regional Final on Sunday with a 5-0 win over Central Florida. FSU will play the winner of the Knoxville Regional.
UCF had a runner on second with one out in the bottom of the second. The next two batters could not push the runner across home plate and the game remained scoreless.
In the top of the third, FSU took the lead. They l0aded the bases with no outs, which forced UCF to change pitchers, but it did not help the Knights. Jessica Warren hit a sacrifice fly to left field and Ellie Cooper did the same two batters later. The Seminoles held a 2-0 lead, which they would not surrender.
The Seminoles added three more runs in the top of the fourth. A throwing error by UCF allowed Macey Cheatham to score and Warren later hit a two run double to make it 5-0 after three and a a half innings.
The Seminoles were able to get a complete game shutout from Jessica Burroughs in the circle. She pitched all seven innings giving up two hits and striking out 6 batters.
Florida State will be playing in the Super Regionals next weekend against the winner of the Knoxville Regional. They will play at the Tennessee Volunteers.
Knoxville Regional – Regional Final Game 1
Tennessee won a hard fought game against Utah 3-1 to move on to the Super Regionals. Meghan Gregg‘s two run shot in the top of the first proved to be the difference.
A single from Rainey Gaffin was followed up on the next pitch with a two run blast to left center from Gregg to give the Volunteers the 2-0 lead. The game was delayed for a bit due to a passing shower in between the top of the second and bottom of the second.
Utah answered back in the bottom of the second with an RBI single from Heather Bowen to left field that brought home Bridget Castro. The Utes got a double from the Mariah Ramirez as the next batter, but could not get another run home as they trailed 2-1 after two innings.
The Utes were back in scoring position in the bottom of the third following a wild pitch and sacrifice bunt, but a foul out by Castro kept the game at 2-1 in favor of the Vols.
In the top of the fifth, Tory Lewis hit a double, Megan Geer hit a single, and Gaffin was hit by a pitch to load the bases. The Utes forced a ground out to throw Lewis out at home and then a line out to the shortstop ended the frame.
The Volunteers would get another run in the top of the sixth. Lewis singled to right field that scored CJ McClain and give the Vols the 3-1 lead.
The Volunteers will play next weekend at home in the Super Regionals against the Florida State Seminoles.
Baton Rouge Regional – Regional Final Game 1
Facing elimination, the fifth seeded LSU Tigers came up huge with a 5-0 win against Arizona State to force a second game on Sunday.
The Tigers were able to score early when Sahvanna Jaquish hit an RBI infield single to make it 1-0 in the top of the first. The Sun Devils had a chance to tie in the bottom of the second with the bases loaded and one out, but could not get the tying run across.
The Tigers made it 2-0 when A.J. Andrews scored on a fielding error in third. In the top of the sixth, an RBI single from Constance Quinn made it 3-0 while Quinn hit a two run double in the top of the seventh to make it 5-0.
The Tigers and Sun Devils will be back at it again on Sunday with the winner advancing to the Super Regional and the loser eliminated from the tournament.
Arizona State Versus LSU Recap – Regional Final Game 2
The LSU Tigers simply did not like to make it easy in their Regional this weekend. They capped a tremendous two days of action with a 4-3 walk off win in the ninth inning on Saturday afternoon against Arizona State.
The Tigers look poised take command early in the game. They got RBI singles from Kellsi Kloss and Sandra Simmons to take an early 2-0 lead after the first inning.
The Sun Devils came back in the top of third. First, Sierra Rodriguez hit an RBI ground out to score Marissa Stankiewicz and then later when Chelsea Gonzales hit a single to right field that brought home Jennifer Soria. After three innings the score was knotted at two apiece.
The fifth inning saw both teams put runners in scoring position, but neither team was able to take advantage of it. Then came the dramatic seventh inning.
In the top of the seventh, Arizona State had runners on first and second when a wild pitch allowed Gonzales to move up to third and put runners on the corner. Haley Steele then hit a ball to LSU’s Bianka Bell who tried to sell it as a line out, but the ball clearly hit the ground. That allowed Gonzales to score and give the Sun Devils a 3-2 lead.
In the bottom of the inning, LSU got a lead off single from Emily Griggs and was then sacrificed to second by A.J. Andrews. Up next was Bailey Landry, who doubled home Griggs to tie the game at three apiece and send the game into extra innings.
In the bottom of the ninth, Sydney Bourg singled to start the inning while Griggs sacrifice bunted her to second. Andrews then singled to left center, but Bourg could not advance due to not knowing whether the ball would be caught. Landry came up and hit a ball towards second base that hit off Andrews and caused the ball to bounce into the outfield. Andrews was called for interference so that left runners on first and second with no outs.
Bianka Bell then hit a single up the middle that scored Bourg and ended the game with a 4-3 win. That win means the LSU Tigers will be playing at home in the Super Regionals. They will take on the winners of the Tucson Regional, the Arizona Wildcats.
Tucson Regional – Regional Final Game 1
The Arizona Wildcats were shocked in the bottom of the seventh with a walk-off grand slam by Minnesota in a 5-2 loss. The loss means Arizona will have to play a second game against the Gophers to decide which team will make the Super Regional round.
The Gophers took the lead in the bottom of the first with a lead off homer from Sam Macken. The Wildcats fought back in the top of the third with an RBI double from Kellie Fox to tie the game at 1 apiece.
The Wildcats took the lead in the top of the fourth with a single from Ashleigh Hughes that scored Mo Mercado.
In the bottom of the seventh, Paige Palkovich had the bases loaded when she cleared them all with a Grand Slam to send the Regional into a winner take all game.
Minnesota Versus Arizona Recap – Regional Final Game 2
Arizona nearly blew their second game of the day against the Minnesota Golden Gophers, but a walk-off single from Kelli Fox in the eighth inning gave them the win. The Wildcats won 7-6 in the winner take all game.
Minnesota took the lead in the top of the first with a two out RBI double from Kaitlyn Richardson. The Wildcats nearly tied the game in the bottom of the frame, but Chelsea Suitos was thrown out at home to keep the Gophers in the lead at 1-0.
The Gophers doubled their lead to 2-0 on an RBI single from Sam Macken and things were not looking good for the hosts. That changed an inning later for the Wildcats.
Hallie Wilson hit a one out solo shot to cut the deficit in half while back to back wild pitches allowed Suitos to go from second to home. Katiyana Mauga hit a single to right field to bring home Payton Kornfeind and make it a 3-2 game after three innings.
The Gophers had a runner on third with one out in the top of the fifth, but consecutive outs to the shortstop ended that rally. The Wildcats loaded the bases in the bottom of the fifth with no outs, but a line out and a double play prevented them from scoring more runs.
In the bottom of the sixth, however, the Wildcats pushed across an insurance run. Wilson singled to right field to score Eva Watson and the Gophers had solid defense to prevent any further damage.
In the top of the seventh, the Wildcats were able to get the Gophers to their last out with a runner on first. A walk to Richardson put runners on first and second before a single by Hannah Granger made it a 4-3 contest. Then came Taylor LeMay who crushed a three run home run to once again give the Gophers a shocking final inning lead. That made it 6-4 after the top of the seventh.
In the bottom half of the inning, Mauga singled up the middle to start the frame. Up next was Chelsea Goodacre who came up with a clutch two run shot down the left field line to tie the game at 6. Mo Mercado was up next and reached second base thanks to a throwing error by the Gophers while Lauren Young also reached on an error to put runners on first and second with no outs.
The bottom of the seventh would end on a double play and a diving catch by the Gophers’ Paige Palkovich.
In the top of the eighth, Minnesota had runners on first and second with no outs before a pitching change by Arizona stemmed the rally. Two ground outs and a strike out allowed the Wildcats to escape unharmed.
In the bottom of the eighth, Suitos hit a one out triple before Fox came up and hit the game winning RBI single to left field to end the game.
Arizona will play in the Super Regionals next weekend on the road in Baton Rouge, Louisiana at the home of the LSU Tigers.
Lafayette Regional
The Lafayette Regional started on Sunday with a completion of Saturday’s Weber State and Mississippi State game. The game was delayed in the bottom of the fourth and the full recap is below.
The Mississippi State Bulldogs were able to hold on for a 2-0 win over Weber State to survive in the NCAA Tournament.
The Bulldogs pushed one across in the bottom of the first when Carolina Seitz hit a solo shot. The two teams were unable to get much offense going as the game was delayed in the bottom of the fourth.
Upon resumption Sunday, the Bulldogs could not get another run across early. However, Weber State could not mount a rally either. Mississippi State did add an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth with Amanda Ivy‘s sacrifice fly. Weber State went down 1-2-3 in the top of the seventh to end the game.
Mississippi State’s Alexis Silkwood threw a complete game shutout allowing only three hits and no walks. She also struck out 7 batters over the two day performance.
Mississippi State has a quick turnaround with another elimination game against Baylor on Sunday. The winner of that game will face Louisiana-Lafayette later on Sunday evening.
Mississippi State Versus Baylor Recap
The final non-Championship round game in the Lafayette Regional saw Baylor defeat the Mississippi State Bulldogs 2-0 with runs in the first and second innings.
Sarah Smith hit an RBI single in the top of the first to make it 1-0 for Baylor. In the top of the second, Lindsey Cargill hit an infield single to make it 2-0 for the Bears.
The Bulldogs were able to put runners on second and third, but could not get the breakthrough in the bottom of the third.
Baylor tried to bunt a run home in the top of the fourth, but Kina Cummings was thrown out at home trying to score. Baylor was able to get another runner on third in the sixth inning, but once again were unable to score after a pop out and ground out.
The Bulldogs final best chance came in the bottom of the sixth with a double from Katie Gentle that put runners on second and third with two outs. The next batter lined out to end that threat and basically the Bulldogs’ season.
Baylor’s Sunday is not done. They will play Louisiana-Lafayette in the Regional Final needing two more wins on Sunday to reach the Super Regionals.
Louisiana-Lafayette Versus Baylor Recap – Regional Final Game 1
The Lafayette Regional will go the distance thanks to a 6-2 win by Baylor in the first Regional Final game.
Louisiana took the lead in the top of the first with a single from Samantha Walsh up the middle that scored Landry. The Ragin’ Cajuns doubled their lead in the top of the second with Shellie Landry hitting a ground out RBI that brought home Aleah Craighton.
The Baylor Bears needed a few innings to get going, but they were able to tie the game in the bottom of the third. A triple by Sarah Smith past the diving right fielder drove home Ari Hawkins and Lindsey Cargill to make it 2-2 after three innings.
Lafayette threatened in the top of the fifth with runners on second and third following a passed ball. Walsh struck out, Kelsey Vincent was intentionally walked, and Leandra Maly hit a grounder to first base that ended the scoring threat.
The Bears were able to take the lead in the bottom of the fifth with a two run shot by Shelby Friudenberg to left center that just cleared the wall. Baylor’s Jessie Scroggins made a home run saving catch in the top of the sixth to keep the lead at two before a extending their lead in the bottom of the inning.
A double steal by Robin Landrith and Jessica Tomchesson put them on second and third before Kaitlyn Thumann hit a double down the left field line to make it a 6-2 lead for Baylor.
The Baylor Bears will play the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns again on Sunday with the winner going to the Super Regionals to face the Auburn Tigers next weekend.
Baylor Versus Louisiana-Lafayette Recap – Regional Final Game 2
Louisiana-Lafayette used a three run in the bottom of the sixth to end the game early on the run rule, 9-1 over Baylor. Louisiana-Lafayette will play in the Super Regionals.
The Ragin’ Cajuns started the second game of the Regional Final like the did the first game; with a 2-0 lead early on. In the bottom of the second Aleah Craighton hit a sacrifice fly while Kelli Martinez hit an RBI ground out to make it 2-0 after two innings. However, Louisiana would not give up this lead in game 2.
The Bears put runners on second and third with one out in the top of the third, but a perfect throw from Louisiana’s Shellie Landry threw Robin Landrith out at home to preserve the two run lead. The Ragin’ Cajuns went up 3-0 on a solo shot by Lexie Elkins in the bottom of the third.
In the bottom of the fourth, a throwing error allowed DJ Sanders to score and then a sacrifice fly from Elkins built the Louisiana lead to 5-0 after five innings. The Bears pulled one run back in the top of the fifth through Ari Hawkins‘ RBI single to left field to make it 5-1.
In the bottom of the sixth, Sara Corbello hit a solo shot as the pinch hitter in the lead off spot before a three run blast by Samantha Walsh ended the game at 9-1.
Louisiana-Lafayette will play the Auburn Tigers next weekend on the road in the Super Regionals.
Auburn Regional – Regional Final Game 1
Auburn used a four run fifth inning to rally from a two run deficit and defeat South Alabama 7-4 on Sunday. The Tigers, the fourth overall seed, will play in the Super Regionals next weekend.
Both teams had at least one runner in scoring position in the first inning, but were unable to score. Auburn took the lead in the top of the second through Tiffany Howard being hit by a pitch that brought home Haley Fagan.
The Tigers double their lead in the top of the fourth with Kasey Cooper hitting an RBI single to right field. South Alabama responded right away in the bottom of the inning, but not before a scary moment for the Auburn Tigers. Catcher Carlee Wallace was injured and taken off on a stretcher. The game was delayed 37 minutes, but reports said she had a sprained neck and could be back on the Auburn campus by the end of Sunday.
A hit from Stephanie Pilkington drove home on run while RBI singles to right and left field from Haleigh Lowe and Emily Messer respectively gave the Jaugars the 3-2 lead. It would be a 4-2 lead after a bases loaded walk drawn by Chloe Rathburn.
Auburn responded with four runs of their own to reclaim the lead in the top of the fifth. An RBI triple by Jade Rhodes made it 4-3 while Howard hit an RBI single back up the middle to tie the game at four. One batter later, Emily Carosone hit a two run double to give the Tigers a 6-4 lead.
The Jaguars were able to to put runners on the corner with one out, but once again they could not put a run across the plate to cut the deficit. Auburn would make it 7-4 game with Rhodes hitting an RBI single.
Auburn will play the Super Regional next week at home against the winner of the Lafayette Regional, the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns.
Ann Arbor Regional – Regional Final Game 1
The Michigan Wolverines were able to jump out in front of the Pittsburgh Panthers early in the Regional Final and easily won from there. The Wolverines won 10-3 over Pittsburgh and will be in the Super Regionals next weekend.
After a lead-off double by Sierra Lawrence, she was able to score after two illegal pitches were called against Pittsburgh’s Savannah King. Kelsey Susalla later came up and hit a three run shot to make it 4-0 and King was pulled from the game. The Wolverines made it 5-0 after the top of the first with an RBI double from Aidan Falk.
Michigan kept the pressure on with a three run top of the third. Lawrence was able to hit a double that drove home three runs and gave them an 8-0 lead. The Panthers did respond in the bottom of the third with three runs. Jenna Modic had a two run single while Carly Thea hit a solo shot to make it 8-3 after three innings.
The top of the fifth inning saw the Wolverines put two more runs across thanks to an RBI triple from Sierra Romero and an RBI single from Kelly Christner on back to back hits. That made it 10-3 and Michigan was all but into the Super Regionals.
The Wolverines will stay home for the Super Regionals and they will take on the Georgia Bulldogs.
Athens Regional – Regional Final Game 1
The Georgia Bulldogs needed to win the first game of the day to have a chance of making the Super Regionals and they did just that. They put up 8 first inning runs and cruised home to a 12-3 victory over Western Kentucky in five innings.
A wild pitch allowed Sydni Emanuel to start the scoring while Kaylee Pualioa hit an RBI single to center field to make it 2-0. Back to back walks in addition to a wild pitch drove home another two runs while Cortni Emanuel hit a two run single to bring the lead up to 6-0. Sydni Emanuel singled hit an RBI single to center to make it 7-0 and the scoring was topped by a dropped fly ball in left field.
Western Kentucky was able to get runners on second and third in the bottom of the first, but were unable to capitalize and still trailed 8-0 after one inning.
The Bulldogs continued to hit well in the top of the second, but could not push a run across until the top of the third. Sydni Emanuel hit another RBI single and Paige Wilson later drove her home to make it 10-0.
Western Kentucky got an RBI single from Baker, but it was a minute consolation in the game. The Bulldogs put up another two runs in the fourth. Anna Swafford stole home and Adele Harrison scored on a hit by Cortni Emanuel to make it 12-1.
The Hilltoppers matched the two runs given up in the top half with an RBI single by Kayti Hanson and an error from Georgia to make it 12-3.
With the win, Georgia and Western Kentucky will meet once again on Sunday with the winner moving on to the Super Regional and the loser eliminated.
Western Kentucky Versus Georgia Recap – Regional Final Game 2
The Georgia Bulldogs completed the impressive comeback from Elimination on Saturday night with a demolition of Western Kentucky in the winner take all game. The Bulldogs won 17-0 while only giving up one hit in the run rule shortened inning game.
Georgia put up only one run in the bottom of the first when Anna Wafford hit a single to center field that scored Paige Wilson. It would be in the second inning where the Bulldogs did the most damage.
Sydni Emanuel was able to beat the throw on a grounder to the shortstop that scored one run. Two batters later, Wilson drove home two runners to make it 4-0. After a walk loaded the bases, Swafford drew a walk to bring another run home and Maeve McGuire did the same to make it a 6-0 game. Niaja Griffin cleared the bases with a triple to make it 9-0 after two innings.
The third inning allowed the Bulldogs to put up three more runs. Swafford hit an infield RBI single and a two run single from McGuire made it a 12-0 game after three innings.
In the bottom of the fourth, the Bulldogs put the icing on the cake. Wilson hit a two run single and then Swafford hit a three run bomb to center field to give the final score of 17-0.
Paige Wilson went two for three with four RBI, four runs scored, and a walk. Anna Swafford went three for three with six RBI, three runs scored, and one walk. Maeve McGuire went one for two with three RBI, two runs scored, and two walks. Niaja Griffin went only one for three, but had three RBI.
Georgia will be playing next weekend against the winner of the Ann Arbor Regional. The Bulldogs will travel to face the Michigan Wolverines in a best of three series.
Norman Regional
In yet another completion of a game that started on Saturday and finished on Sunday, it was the Texas A&M Aggies who defeated Lehigh 5-0 to advance to the regional final.
Lehigh was able to get runners on first and second with no outs, but subsequently went down in order to keep it scoreless after the top of the first. In the bottom of the first, A&M had runners on the corner with two outs, but a ground out ended the that scoring threat.
In the bottom of the second, A&M got on the board through a solo home run by Erica Russell to left field. The Aggies added to that lead in the third with a lead off homer by Tori Vidales and then a two run shot by Breanna Dozier to make it 4-0 after three innings.
The Aggies went up 5-0 in fifth with an RBI single from Cali Lanphear, though she was thrown out at third trying to move up on the throw to home.
Lehigh was unable to mount any serious threat with only a single in the top of the seventh in the final two innings. Texas A&M’s Katie Marks threw a complete game shutout allowing only three hits, one walk, and striking out three Lehigh batters.
Texas A&M advances to the Regional Final where they will face Oklahoma. The Aggies need to beat Oklahoma twice on Sunday to make it to the Super Regional.
Texas A&M Versus Oklahoma Recap – Regional Final Game 1
The Oklahoma Sooners are into the Super Regionals after a 2-0 win over former Big 12 Rival Texas A&M.
The Sooners scored in the top of the first with an RBI single from Paige Parker that scored Erin Miller. The Sooners had another opportunity in the top of the third with the bases loaded and one out, but two infield outs kept the game tight at 1-0.
The Aggies had a prime chance in the bottom of the fourth with runners on second and third with only one out. A strike out and infield pop out prevented them from being able to tie or take the lead.
The Sooners loaded the bases again in the top of the fifth with two outs, but Kady Self flied out to left field to end the frame. The Sooners would push an insurance run across in the top of the sixth with an RBI single from Lauren Chamberlain.
The Aggies had another great chance with the bases loaded and one out, but a fly out and strike out once again left the Aggies with a zero on the board.
The Oklahoma Sooners will play next weekend in the Super Regionals at Tuscaloosa and the Alabama Crimson Tide. The winner of the best of three series will play in the Women’s College World Series.
Tuscaloosa Regional – Regional Final Game 1
The Alabama Crimson Tide won their third game of the Regional in crushing fashion. This time it was an 11-1 win over Washington to put the Tide in the Super Regionals.
Alabama’s Haylie McCleney continued her excellent regional hitting by launching a solo shot in the top of the first inning. The Tide added two runs in the second with an RBI single from Chandler Dare and a passed ball that scored Rachel Bobo.
The Tide continued to pour it on in the top of the third with Chaunsey Bell crushing a three run shot to build the lead up to 6-0. McCLeney hit her second solo shot of the game in the top of the fourth while the Huskies clawed one run back on an RBI single from Casey Stangel. Still, the task was daunting with Washington down 7-1 after four innings.
In the top of the sixth, McCleney drew a walk for another RBI and an 8-1 lead. The Tide added three runs in the top of the seventh with an RBI sacrifice fly by Bell and a two run shot by Danielle Richard.
Alabama will be hosting the Super Regional next weekend against the Normal Regional winners, the Oklahoma Sooners.
Los Angeles Regional – Regional Final Game 1
UCLA swept through their Regional with an 8-0 win over San Diego State in a run rule shortened game. Ally Carda pitched six innings giving up only three hits and three walks. She struck out two Aztecs.
The Bruins started the game with a lead-off homer in the top of the first from Delaney Spaulding. They had a chance to add to the lead in the same frame with the bases loaded and one out, but a strike out and ground out ended the rally.
The Aztecs loaded the bases in the bottom of the first, but Leia Ruiz was thrown out at home to end the inning. The Bruins made it 2-0 in the top of the second when Carda was walked with the bases loaded.
The next two innings were uneventful, but in the top of the fifth the Bruins made it a 4-0 game on a two run homer by Gabrielle Maurice.
The Bruins led off the top of the sixth with a home run from Kylee Perez. Four batters later, Stephany LaRosa crushed a ball to right field as the Bruins extended their advantage to 8-0.
The Bruins will be hosting a Super Regional next weekend against Missouri.
Columbia Regional – Regional Final Game 1
Missouri nearly blew a five run lead, but held on for a dramatic 7-6 victory over border rival Kansas. The Tigers will play in the Super Regionals next weekend.
Kansas jumped out to the lead in the bottom of the first with RBI singles from Jessie Roane and Erin McGinley. The Tigers responded in the top of the second with three runs courtesy of an RBI double from Kirsten Mack, an RBI single from Angela Randazzo, and a wild pitch that scored Mack.
The Tigers made it a 5 run game with a grand slam from Mack in the top of the third. The Jayhawks loaded the bases in the bottom of the third, but could not get any runs out of it.
Kansas came up with a huge rally in the bottom of the sixth. An error allowed Mikayla Warren score with the bases loaded, a single back to the pitcher by Briana Evans made it a 7-4 game, and Taylor McElhaney was hit by a pitch to bring the score to 7-5. After Chaley Brickey was walked to cut the deficit to 7-6, Maddie Stein flied out to left field to end the rally and inning.
The Tigers had a much more comfortable seventh inning with Chanin Naudin walking and then striking out Roane to end the game.
Missouri has advanced to the Super Regionals where they will play the winner of the Los Angeles Regional next weekend. The Tigers will face UCLA on the road.
Harrisonburg Regional
The game between James Madison and Fordham was delayed in the top of the sixth on Saturday and finished on Sunday morning. The entire game recap is below.
Fordham eliminated regional hosts James Madison with a 2-1 victory in a weather interrupted game. Lindsay Mayer‘s two run shot for Fordham in the third was enough for the Rams to get to the Regional Final.
James Madison was able to put runners on second and third with one out following a sacrifice bunt by Hannah Hayes in the top of the second. That opportunity would not yield any runs as the next two batters struck out and grounded out respectively.
In the bottom of the third, Fordham was quickly down to their final out in the inning when Amy Van Hoven hit an infield single. Up next was Mayer who drilled the ball to right center for a two run homer and give Fordham a 2-0 lead.
In the top of the sixth the Dukes of James Madison had a runner on first and two out when the weather delay happened. Upon resumption on Sunday morning, they were unable to get anything out of the hit.
With the Dukes down to their last chance in the top of the seventh, they were able to put together a rally. A single by Alyssa Buddle put her on first with Madyson Moran pinch running for her. A single by Morgan Tolle and a fielding error put runners on the corner. Tahli Moore then hit a sacrifice fly that scored Moran, but a ground out by the next batter ended the rally and game.
Fordham has advanced to the Regional Final to face North Carolina State, but will need to win twice to make the Super Regionals.
North Carolina State Versus Fordham Recap – Regional Final Game 1
Shortly after defeating James Madison, Fordham was back on the field to face North Carolina State. This time, however, it was the Wolfpack who won and eliminated Fordham by a score of 2-1 thanks to a walk-off home run.
Rachel Gillen hit an RBI single to right field in the top of the first to give Fordham the early 1-0 lead. The Rams also had a lead off double in the second inning, but were unable to move the runner up and still held a 1-0 lead.
In the bottom of the fourth, the Wolfpack got on the board. A two out RBI single from Maggie Hawkins tied the game at one after four innings.
In the bottom of the seventh Hawkins was back at the plate and she took a 1-0 pitch to center field over the wall to give North Carolina State the 2-1 victory.
North Carolina State has advanced to the Super Regional round and will face the Oregon Ducks next weekend in Eugene, Oregon.
Eugene Regional
Oregon advanced to the Super Regional on Saturday with a 6-1 victory over North Dakota State. They will face the winner of the Harrisonburg Regional, which was North Carolina State.