MSJ puts an end to DC Softball season
Nick Williams, Assistant SID

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- The Defiance College Softball team's bid for a third consecutive HCAC Tournament championship fell short this morning as Mount St. Joseph advanced over DC by the score 3-1.

Mount St. Joseph scored first in the bottom of the second on a passed ball by Kelsey Sugg, but Sugg would get the run back for DC when she homered to center in the top of the fourth to tie the game at one. The Lions would answer back with a run of their own on an RBI groundout in the bottom half of the inning to regain the lead. Mount St. Joseph would add an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth.

With DC's last chance to keep the season alive in the top of the seventh, DC started things off right with a single by Kayla Crager. Amanda Auzins in a pinch hit situation grounded out to third to advance Crager to second. Stephanie Lieto grounded out in the next at bat to short to put Crager on third. Unfortunately, DC could not keep the two-out rally going as Cori Long grounded out to the pitcher for the final out of the 2006 season for Defiance.

Justine Johnston took the hard luck loss, going six innings, scattering six hits and four walks while giving up three runs (two earned) and two strikeouts.

Crager went 2-for-3, while Sugg was 1-for-3 with the home run. Alicia Allen and Long each picked up a hit in the game.

DC finishes the season with a 29-15 overall record and a 10-4 HCAC record.