The Redlands Regional of the 2014 NCAA Division III Softball Championships concluded with Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges punching its ticket to the NCAA Super Regional with a 7-2 win over the University of Redlands. This championship game featured two very familiar foes in their ninth meeting of the season.
After 2.5 scoreless innings, CMS opened up Saturday's contest with six runs in the bottom of the third frame. With two runners on, Brooklyn Robinson doubled to left field to clear the bases for the early Athena lead. After a Bulldog miscue that scored one for CMS, Morgan Beltz and Janelle Shiozaki each recorded RBI-hits for CMS, with Shiozaki plating two to cap off the strong stanza.
The Bulldogs continued to struggle on offense, notching only two hits in the entire game. However, they fought to the bitter end, scoring two runs in the top of the seventh frame. With two runners on, Amanda Clark knocked one toward third base and successfully took the bag on an Athena error, plating Janelle Carrasco in the process. Then, Kristen Hooper brought Amanda Lievanos home on a fielder's choice to second base. Unfortunately for Redlands, the rally stopped there, ending the Bulldogs' season with a 31-15 overall record.
CMS' Hayley Schultz pitched a gem, scattering just two hits and striking out two for her 16th win of the season.
Janelle Shiozaki and Katie Savard each led the Athena offense with a 3-for-4 effort at the plate, while Shiozaki and Brooklyn Robinson tallied two RBI apiece.
Watch CMS' postgame interview with Head Coach Betsy Hipple, Hayley Schultz, Janelle Shiozaki, and Katie Savard.
The Athenas (31-13) have won nine of their last 10 games, with that lone loss coming at the hands of Redlands on May 3.
After the game, the All-Tournament Team for the Redlands Regional was announced:
Morgan Beltz, C, CMS
Brooklyn Robinson, 2B, CMS
Katie Savard, 1B, CMS
Tara Robinson, SS, CMS
Erin Carson, RF, Linfield
Haylie Watson, 1B, Linfield
Vicki King, SS, Redlands
AJ Carrasco, RF, Redlands
Amanda Lievanos, CF, Redlands
