April 30, 2010

RedStorm softball season comes to an end

Danville, Ky. --- In the tournament scenario your season can come to an end very abruptly, as was the case with the University of Rio Grande RedStorm softball team on Friday afternoon. Having staved off elimination once, Rio Grande was not up to the challenge a second time as it dropped an 8-6 decision to No. 2 seed Georgetown College.

Rio Grande (30-23), the No. 4 seed, played well early and carried a 3-0 advantage into the bottom of the sixth inning when the wheels fell off. Georgetown College (35-19) scored eight runs in the sixth, only two of which were earned and when it was all said and done the Tigers held an 8-3 lead heading into the seventh.

The RedStorm did what they could to get back in the game, scoring three times in the top of the seventh, but it wasn't enough as the Tigers held on for the win and lived to play another game. 

Sophomore pitcher Allison Mills (West Chester, OH) was the victim of the unfortunate sixth inning and absorbed the loss for Rio Grande. Mills (13-7) pitched six innings, allowing seven hits and eight runs (two earned) with two strikeouts and two walks. 

Rio Grande had eight hits with freshman outfielder Jessica Gall (Mount Vernon, OH) and freshman third baseman Jaymie Rector (Heath, OH) leading the way with two hits each. Gall also scored two runs.

Senior catcher Kaylyn Heading (Hilliard, OH) was 1-for-4 with a double, a run scored and two RBI's. Junior shortstop Amber Bowman (Hebron, OH) was 1-for-4 with a triple and an RBI. She also scored a run. Senior centerfielder Leah Hamman (Lexington, OH) was 1-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI and sophomore first baseman Chelsie Brooks (North Lewisburg, OH) was 1-for-2 with a walk. 

Rio finished the season 2-3 versus Georgetown College, who advanced to face No. 6 seed St. Catharine in the final loser's bracket game of the day.