Lions Historic Run Ends One Win Short of College World Series Appearance

DECATUR, Illinois - The Mount St. Joseph University softball program has put the finishing touches on a historic 2021 season. That season ended tonight with a loss to #1 DePauw in the NCAA Regional Finals "if game". Just yesterday the Lions secured the first NCAA tournament victory in program history, and they doubled that total today alone. They opened with a win over Calvin in the loser's bracket finals, which set them up with yet another rematch with DePauw. The Lions would have to beat the Tigers twice to secure a bid to the Division III College World Series. They jumped out quick run-ruling DePauw in game one, but fell in game two, their third of the day.

For their performance three Lions were recognized as members of the Decatur, Ill. All-Region Team. That group was headlined by Alehia Tucker who was named the region's most-outstanding-player and was also recognized as the best shortstop in the regional. Tucker was magnificent in the Lions five games over the weekend, she had three extra base hits including a pair of homeruns. She was also sparkling with the glove for the Lions including a sportscenter top-10 caliber play (video below). Joining her on the all-tournament team was Rachel Gabbard and Maiah Hodge, the underclassmen were both outstanding for The Mount all weekend long. 

GAME ONE | MSJ 2 - Calvin 0

The Mount opened the day knowing they would have to win three games including sweeping #1 DePauw to secure a berth in the College World Series, but that couldn't happen without first beating Calvin. In order to do so Coach Goderwis turned to her senior ace one more time to start the game, and boy did Sarah Miller not disappoint. Over her five innings of work, she allowed just three base runners while striking out three. 

Miller departed prior to sixth inning, making way for Kamryn McCool to close it out. The two combined for the yet another shutout, with McCool allowing just a single base-hit over the final two innings of the game. 

Calvin kept the Lions off the board until the bottom of the fourth inning. Tucker led off the frame with a single to left field, and advanced to second on a sac bunt by Brooke Otto. An out later Miller drilled a two-out RBI single to get the Lions on the board. For good measure they added a much needed insurance run in the sixth inning. As Hodge lifted a bases loaded sacrifice fly into right field, scoring Otto. 

Securing the 2-0 victory for the Lions and advancing them to yet another rematch with DePauw.

GAME TWO | MSJ 9 - DePauw 1

The Lions came into the game trying to avenge an opening round loss to DePauw, in an effort to force an "IF" game for all the marbles. 

They got off on the right foot and quickly as Tucker led of the top of the first with a homerun to left center. 

Once again it was Miller taking the ball to the circle to start the game. Yet again Miller was up to the task, throwing a complete game in the mercy-rule win. Over the 5.0 innings she allowed seven hits but just one run. 

The Mount would add two in the top of the third, with the big blow coming on a bases loaded 2 RBI single off the bat of Elizabeth Ivers. 

Just one inning later the Lions put the game away, scoring six runs in the top of the fourth inning. Hodge led off with a walk, and after a sac bunt scored on an RBI double by Gabbard. The next big blow came off the bat off Otto as she laced a bases loaded 3-RBI triple into right centerfield. Ivers tripled into right in the next at-bat, and Casey Bramble drove in the final run of the inning and game with a single up the middle. 

The Lions pushed out their lead to 9-1, securing the five inning mercy rule victory. Handing the #1 team in the nation their third loss of the season, the second at the hands of the Lions.

GAME THREE | DePauw 9 - MSJ 2

The Lions two early wins set the stage for the winner-take-all finale of the Decatur regional. 

Squaring off in this one would be two of the top pitchers in the Great Lakes region this season, for the Lions it would be junior Kamryn McCool and DePauw would counter with Cami Henry. 

This time it was the Tigers who jumped out to a quick lead, hitting a two run homerun in the top of the first inning.

The Lions did answer in the bottom of the inning scoring a single run on a Bramble RBI double. 

The score stayed at 2-1 until the top of the fourth inning when DePauw scored three runs. The Lions added a run in the bottom of the inning to stay close.

From that point on DePauw would take control, scoring four times in the top of the seventh inning to put the game out of reach for The Mount. 

Thus ending a historic run for the Mount St. Joseph University softball program, just one win shy of an appearance in the College World Series.