AURORA, Ill. (May 4, 2007) – Edgewood College avoided elimination Friday by rebounding from an early loss to knock off Marian College in extra frames 6-5 before ousting Concordia University-Wisconsin in five innings by a final score of 11-0 at Jericho Park. As a result, the Eagles (23-17) advance to the final round of the 2007 Northern Athletics Conference Softball Tournament, but must win three straight games Saturday to be crowned champions.
Jamie Kurt (Dane, Wis.) drove in two runs with a double in the first inning against Aurora University (33-8) followed by an RBI single by Colleen Joyce (Madison, Wis.). That was all the runs Edgewood College could manage as the Spartans took the lead for good when they plated four in the bottom of the third.
The loss dropped Edgewood College into the loser’s bracket where their next draw led them to face No. 3 Marian College (24-14), who lost its opening round game in an 1-0 upset to No. 6 Concordia University-Wisconsin (19-23).
Edgewood College jumped out to a 2-1 lead over Marian with Joyce’s two-run homer in the bottom of the second inning. The Eagles trailed 4-3 going into the bottom of the sixth when the Sabres committed an error that cost them a pair of runs and the lead. Marian got one back in the top of the seventh, however, to knot the score at 5-5.
Carrie Flaherty (Pomona, Colo.) drew a leadoff walk to begin the bottom of the eighth and moved to second base on a sacrifice bunt from Noelle Wimer (Dodgeville, Wis.). Flaherty scored the game-winning run on a walk-off double down the left field line by Kristen Salvatore (Sycamore, Ill.).
Forced to play a third game and still facing elimination, Edgewood College came out on fire against the Falcons. The Eagles jumped out to a four-run lead after the first inning and Kurt belted a three-run homerun in the second. Edgewood College kept the pressure on by scoring at least once in their next three times to the plate.
Kurt led the way offensively with a combined 7-for-11 at the plate with six runs scored. Jennifer Stephens (St. Charles, Ill.) scattered six hits and Joyce picked up five base knocks. Together, the trio had 14 of the team’s 17 RBIs.
In the pitcher’s circle, Jenna Ryan (Waunakee, Wis.) allowed two earned runs in six innings pitched without a decision. Kristin Borre (Beloit, Wis.) surrendered nine earned runs in 12 innings. Each pitcher struck out three.
Edgewood College awaits to take on the winner of the Saturday’s early game between to two teams that are currently undefeated in the NAC Tournament, Aurora University and No. 2 Lakeland College (27-10). The Eagles’ first game will begin at 11 a.m.
