April 29, 2010

RedStorm lose first MSC tourney game

Danville, Ky. --- The University of Rio Grande RedStorm softball team, the No. 4 seed in the 2010 Mid-South Conference Tournament, lost the opening game of the tournament to No. 5 seed University of the Cumberlands (KY), 1-0 on Thursday afternoon at Danville, KY.

Rio Grande (29-22) lost for the third consecutive time as the offense struggled, collecting only three hits in the game. Senior centerfielder Leah Hamman (Lexington, OH), sophomore rightfielder Marissa Lennox (Gahanna, OH) and sophomore first baseman Chelsie Brooks (North Lewisburg, OH) all had one single each in the game and that was the extent of the RedStorm offense.

Rio sophomore hurler Anna Smith (Ross, OH) pitched well and deserved a better fate as she lost the pitcher's duel. Smith (16-15) went all seven innings, allowing only two hits one earned run while striking out seven. 

Cumberlands improved to 21-22 on the season. The Patriots are 3-2 versus Rio Grande this year.

Rio Grande will face No. 8 seed WVU Tech in the loser's bracket elimination game on Friday morning. First pitch is set for 11 a.m. Rio was 4-0 against the Golden Bears this season.  

WVU Tech lost 8-0 to No.1 seed Lindsey Wilson on Thursday.