Softball: ASU defeats Indianapolis, 3-1, in National Championship Finals opener
Angelo State topped Indianapolis, 3-1, in their opening game at
the 2009 NCAA Division II National Championship Finals in Salem,
Va.
The Rambelles (49-8) next game is Friday at 11 a.m. against the
winner of today's North Georgia/Dixie State contest.
ASU used another solid pitching performance from junior
right-hander Chelsea Nelson (31-4) as they remained perfect
all-time (3-0) in first round games at the national finals. Nelson
limited the Greyhounds to just four single while fanning nine UI
hitters and issuing just one walk.
ASU fell behind early as the Greyhounds took a 1-0 lead in the top
of the third on a one-out RBI single to leftfield by
Megan Russell, scoring Lindsey Gustine. However, the Rambelles
would score three unanswered runs to come from behind for the
victory.
The Rambelles knotted the game, 1-1, in the bottom of the third
with a successful two-out double steal, scoring freshman Sandy
James. ASU then took its first lead in the fifth frame with
back-to-back doubles by sophomore Alix Dean and senior Macy Baker.
Baker's double scored freshman pinch runner Nicole Wellmann. The
Rambelles added a final run in the sixth inning on a double by
James down the rightfield line to score junior Kristen Frye from
first base.
ASU tallied six hits in the contest with James leading the pack
with a 2-for-3 performance with a run scored and an RBI. Dean and
James now each have 18 doubles on the season, matching the ASU
single-season record held by Brittney Cargill (2007).
Indianapolis (36-20) advances to the loser's bracket and will not
play against until Saturday. Russell (19-11) was handed the loss
after giving up three earned runs on six hits with seven strikeouts
in a complete game.
- Courtesy of ASU sports information
