Monday, May 23, 2005

#3 SIMON FRASER ADVANCES WITH 6-1 WIN OVER NORTH GEORGIA

DECATUR , Ala. – Simon Fraser University (S.D.), seeded #3 in the 2005 NAIA Softball National Tournament, advanced to the winner' bracket final versus the top seeded Thomas University (Ga.).

With Simon Fraser's 6-1 win over North Georgia College and State University, the Clan (36-8) set up a rematch of last season title game for Tuesday afternoon, May 24 at 3:00 p.m. The winner will advance to the title game, while they await an opponent to advance out of the loser's bracket. North Georgia (45-17) drops to the loser's bracket to face the University of Mobile ( Ala. ) at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 24.

Simon Fraser tallied a quick score with a run in the top of the first inning on a sacrifice fly by Erin McLean to drive in Rachel Schill. The Clan tacked on another run in the top of the second when Schill tripled with one out to deep right-center, followed by an RBI single by Erin Gee.

North Georgia cut the lead in half with a run in the bottom of the third on a Candace Schubert RBI single to drive in Michelle Brock.

The score remained 2-1 for the next three innings. In the top of the seventh, Simon Fraser put the game out of reach with four runs. The big hit came on a two-out, bases loaded double by Erin Gee. Gee then stole third base and advance home on a wild throw by catcher, Katie Trasher.

Ashley Lanz (27-6) earned the win with a complete game five hitter allowing just the one run and striking out 13 North Georgia batters. Beth Willis (30-8) took the loss in the complete game effort. She allowed six runs, five earned, on eight hits and four strikeouts.