Records Fall, Milestones are Passed in Lions Sweep of Defiance

CINCINNATI, Ohio - Everyone in attendance at the MSJ Softball Complex on Friday night knew the evening was going to be a special one, no one though knew just how special it would be. The Lions welcomed Defiance College to Cincinnati, for a Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference double-header, it was also Senior Day. The softball program was going to celebrate the careers of five seniors, a group of kids that helped to change the trajectory of the MSJ softball program. Alehia Tucker, Sarah Miller, Gracie Woodyard, Brooke Otto and Olivia Burger each contributed to the Lions softball program over the past four years in vast ways. That celebration took place between games, after a dramatic come from behind 5-4 victory in game one.

That win brings us to our first milestone, with that win Head Coach Beth Goderwis passed 300 wins during her outstanding career as The Mount's softball coach. After the win coach Goderwis was presented with a plaque from Director of Athletics Melanee Wagener commemorating the occasion. 

The Lions also set a pair of school records during game two of the double-header, a 3-0 win.

GAME ONE | MSJ 5 - Defiance 4

In game one of the double-header the Lions turned to senior ace Sarah Miller to take the ball to start the game. Sarah's senior day did not start out as she probably imagined, as the Yellow Jackets came to swing the bats in the first inning. Scoring twice on a two-run homerun to take an early lead. They came back to add another pair of runs in the third inning, while the Lions offense laid dormant for the first two innings.

Then came the bottom of the third inning when momentum really started to shift. Alehia Tucker led off the frame by drilling a double into the right field gap, and was moved along to third by a sacrifice bunt from Brooke Otto. A batter later Miller delivered the first blow for the Lions, lacing a basehit up the middle to score tucker from third. Then came the big blow as Casey Bramble drilled a long homerun to left field that landed on the batting cages in left field, pulling the Lions within just a run. The homerun was the first of Bramble's collegiate career. 

From that point Miller really settled in on the mound, allowing only a single baserunner over the next three innings. 

The Lions continued their comeback in the bottom of the fourth inning, as Rachel Gabbard singled to lead off the inning. An out later Tucker singled, then Otto reached on a hit-by-pitch setting the stage for the biggest at-bat of the game. Elizabeth Ivers completed the comeback with a bases loaded rocket into right field for a 2-RBI double, putting the Lions ahead 5-4.

Defiance would threaten again in the 7th inning, getting a pair of runners on. Miller though slammed the door, stranding the runners on base to end the game.

GAME TWO | MSJ 3 - Defiance 0

After and outstanding senior day presentation between games the Lions still had work to do, as they need to continue to win to keep pace atop the HCAC standings. To continue their winning ways coach Goderwis turned to the most dominant arm in the HCAC, junior Kamryn McCool. As has been the case for most of the season, McCool was absolutely dominant throwing a complete game 2-hit shutout, while striking out 8 Defiance batters. 

Both offense's were quiet over the first two innings as both pitchers were dealing. The Lions finally scratched accross a run in the bottom of the third inning. Kaci Finchum hit a one-out double into the left centerfield gap. She would come around to score as Tucker bunted for a base-hit and the Defiance catcher threw the ball into rightfield. An out later with Tucker standing at third, Ivers again delivered a big RBI hit, pushing the Lions out to a 2-0 lead. 

The Lions again scored in the bottom of the 5th inning, and also set a new school record. Tucker led off the inning with a walk, and stole second base on the first pitch of the next at-bat. The steal was number 90 for Tucker's career, breaking the Mount St. Joseph career stolen bases record. The record was previously held by Morgan Kain a standout outfielder for the Lions. 

An out later it was again Ivers driving in the run with a base-hit pushing the Lions out to a 3-0 lead. 

McCool did not need the insurance runs though as she continued to be outstanding in the circle for the Lions. In the bottom of the 7th inning, she struck out the leadoff batter and the Lions had their second school record of the evening. The strikeout was number 122 on the season for McCool breaking the MSJ single season strikeout record, previously held by MSJ Hall of Famer Kati Stroub-Young.

It was a special night on the campus of Mount St. Joseph University, as seniors were celebrated, records fell, milestones were passed and most importantly the Lions got two conference victories. 

UP NEXT: 
The Lions (19-8, 8-2 HCAC) will welcome the Fightin' Engineers of Rose-Hulman to the MSJ Softball Complex on Sunday for a non-conference double-header. The games are expected to get underway at 1:00 PM.