Hilltopper offense back on track, advances to Heartland Conference Championship
5/1/2009 7:30:16 PM
Trailing 3-1 in the fifth inning, the St. Edward’s softball team finally got its bats going as they scored seven runs in the final three innings to defeat Incarnate Word, 8-3, and advance to the Heartland Conference Tournament Championship game.
St. Edward’s (40-19) got on the board first in the third inning when sophomore Lexi Stephens led off with a single, advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt from freshman Meagen Bailey, and came around to score on a throwing error by the Cardinal catcher.
Incarnate Word (27-32) came back with three runs in the bottom of the third inning. Lea Padilla launched a three-run home run to right that was just off the glove of Hilltopper senior Jamie Zilverberg. The blast was the second hit the Cardinals had in the inning, but it was the only two they would have against Hilltopper starting pitcher Paige Sandahl.
The Hilltopper offense came alive in the fifth inning. Freshman Miranda Yeager led off the inning with a single and she advanced to third on a double by Stephens. St. Edward’s then had three-straight RBI-singles from Bailey, junior Lisa Paul, and sophomore Courtney Lavender.
St. Edward’s tacked on three more runs in the sixth inning on three hits. They also picked up one more run in the seventh inning on a RBI-single by Stephens.
Stephens, who leads the nation in hits, upped her season total to 107 hits with her 5-for-5 day at the plate. She has already broken the school record she set last season for single season hits with 100 hits in 2008. The next closest player in total hits is Andi Braswell of Valdosta State who had 94 hits going into Friday’s play.
Sophomore Diana Cezeaux (14-10) came on in relief to start the fourth inning and only allowed one hit the final four innings, while striking out four batters and picking up the victory.
The victory also gave the Hilltoppers their 40th win of the season. That makes three-straight 40-win season for St. Edward’s. During the four-year span they have compiled a 181-76 record.
The Hilltoppers advance to the championship game on Saturday. First pitch is set for noon at Rattler Field with an automatic bid the NCAA South Central Regional on the line. The opponent has yet to be determined. Derek Smolik will have the call on the St. Mary’s Website.