Yellowjackets Hand #15 Evangel Second HAAC Loss of the Season
April 20, 2007
Box Score Game One Box Score Game Two
Lamoni, IA- Entering Friday afternoon’s contest with the Graceland University softball team, the Evangel University softball squad had steamrolled HAAC competition in 2007 en route to an almost perfect 12-1 record and a #15 national ranking in the latest NAIA national polls. To the delight of the Yellowjacket faithful, the Lady Crusaders left Lamoni with a 13-1 HAAC standing after GU defeated EU in a thrilling 2-1 Jackets victory in game two.
With the split, the Blue and Gold inched closer to clinching a coveted spot in the Heart of America postseason tournament which features the top eight records of the highly-competitive 11-member conference. GU’s overall record now stands at 21-16 and 8-10 within the HAAC. The Yellowjackets wrap up HAAC regular season play by hosting Avila University tomorrow with first-pitch slated for 11:00 a.m.
Game One With ace right-hander Carrie Wilson on the mound for game one for GU and opposed by Kimberly Williams of Evangel, there wasn’t likely to be many offensive opportunities for either squad as both pitchers matched each other for what seemingly was pitch for pitch.
Williams and the Lady Crusaders would come out ahead as they took the opener 3-0 despite the strong efforts of Wilson. Wilson allowed nine hits and three runs (one earned) while striking out six and walking three. Williams allowed only three GU hits and struck out four in the opening game shutout.
With both teams scoreless through five innings of play, Evangel finally struck through for two runs in the top-half of the sixth when senior Kim Waltz drove in Karen Koloff who was pinch-running for EU’s Julia Thrasher. After the Jackets were able to turn a double-play and seemingly avoid any further damage, pinch-hitter Megan Cairns delivered a run-scoring single to the opposite field which was bobbled by the GU left-fielder, allowing another EU run to pass home.
Thrasher came through with an insurance run in the top of the seventh when she smoked an RBI double to cap the Evangel scoring.
Game Two
With Graceland in the middle of the HAAC playoff race, head coach Don Stopa once again turned to Wilson for mound duties in game two. She responded with an incredible outing and earned the victory in GU’s exciting game-two victory by a score of 2-1.
With the Jackets leading 1-0 behind the strong right arm of Wilson, Evangel rallied for a game-tying run in their half of the seventh inning to put a damper on what at that point was a masterful performance by Wilson. However, with the game now tied at one, it was the Yellowjackets turn for some offensive heroics.
Junior Tayna Oystrick got things going for GU with a leadoff walk followed by a fielder’s choice for leadoff hitter Lindsey Campbell. After a wild-pitch allowed the speedy Campbell to advance to second-base, third-baseman Chantelle Daigle hit a bouncer to short. Alertly, Campbell took off for third and her head-first slide narrowly beat the throw putting runners on the corners with only one out.
After a first-pitch foul ball, sophomore Maria “Thunder” Barwig, laced a hard single up the middle, easily scoring Campbell for the Jacket’s thrilling, walk-off victory.
Wilson once again went the distance in the pitching circle for GU and put up totals of seven hits allowed, one run (un-earned) with four strikeouts and zero walks.
Chris Nelson also pitched very well for Evangel but was the tough-luck loser despite allowing only two runs on eight hits while recording two strikeouts.
Center-fielder Jodie Clarkson was the only Jacket hitter to record multiple hits while first-baseman Jennifer Souckeroff came through with an RBI triple to give the Jackets their opening score of the game.
Follow Graceland Pitcher Carrie Wilson Through Her Wind-Up
For More Information on Graceland University Athletics Contact:
Michael Brown, Sports Information Director
(641) 784-5318
mibrown@graceland.edu
