Saturday, May 21, 2005

SAINTS FINISH FIRST DAY 1-1 AT NAIA NATIONAL
SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT

Decatur, Ala. – The North Georgia College & State University softball team fell 1-0 in ten innings to California Baptist University in their first game, but surged past the University of Mary 8-0 in five innings to finish 1-1 after the first day of pool play at the NAIA Softball Tournament.

Game 1, CBU 1, NGCSU 0 (10 Innings)

The #3 seeded California Baptist University needed 10 innings to improve to 2-0 in the first day of pool play in the 2005 NAIA Softball National Championship.

California Baptist (49-5) topped North Georgia College and State University (41-16) 1-0 in 10 innings. Candice Thomas of California Baptist and Beth Willis of North Georgia matched each other almost pitch for pitch as both tossed complete game. Both teams tallied seven hits each, however, California Baptist converted a leadoff error in the top of the 10 th into the go ahead run. Sara Goforth reached base on an error, stole second base, and then advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Chantal Miller. Goforth then scored the go ahead run on a squeeze bunt by Jenny Stolle.

North Georgia left nine runners on base, to California Baptist's eight runners left on base.

Thomas (29-1) earned the win for California Baptist as she scattered seven hits over her 10 innings while striking out three batters. Willis (29-6) of North Georgia took the hard luck loss as she scattered seven hits in 10 innings while striking out 10 California Baptist batters.

Box Score

Game 2, UM 0, NGCSU 8 (5 Innings)

North Georgia College and State University (1-1) evened their pool play record at 1-1 with an 8-0 victory over the University of Mary (0-2).

North Georgia (42-16) tallied two first inning runs and then posted a six run third inning to seal the win. Candace Schubert led the way for North Georgia going a 2-for-3 performance at the plate with two runs scored and an RBI. Brittany Barnes and Krista Bess each added two RBI in the game.

Rachel Bridges (8-3) tossed all five innings allowing no runs on four hits while striking out five batters. Jaime Naglosky (19-6) tossed 2.2 innings in the loss. She gave up eight runs; however, just three were earned as the Mary Marauders committed three errors in the game. Vanessa Whitney of Mary (28-15) pitched 2.1 innings of scoreless relief.

Box Score

The Saints will take to the field on Saturday again at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. CST as they take on Point Lome (2-0) and Aquinas College (0-2). Both games will be broadcast live over the internet at www.golivesports.com.