Lexington, Kentucky—Following an impressive win over Defiance College in the opening round of the HCAC Softball Tournament, the Lions were set for a rematch with Hanover College. Only six days ago, the Lions dropped a pair of heartbreaking losses to the Panthers. With even more on the line, the Lions were able to come out on top by a final of 4-1. This win advanced the Lions to the Championship game, through the winners bracket, and now need one game to claim their second consecutive HCAC crown.
In the first at-bat of the game, Ali Lang drove a single into left field. Lang then stole second base and a Casey Bramble single through the left side of the Hanover Infield scored the speedy leadoff hitter. The game remained scoreless until the Mount added another run in the visitors half of the fourth. Freshman, Maddie Kennedy tripled down the right field line to leadoff the inning and a one-out single from the bat of Elizabeth Ivers brought Kennedy home.
Following a scoreless fifth, the Lions added their third run of the game in the top of the sixth. Kaci Finchum, doubled to begin the inning, Ivers then moved Finchum to third with a sacrifice bunt. Finchum crossed the plate on a Lang RBI groundout. The Panthers were finally able to push their first run of the game across the plate in the bottom of the sixth. Holding a 3-1 lead into the top of the seventh, the Lions added one more insurance run to their total. HCAC Newcomer of the year, Macy Cornelius leadoff the inning and was hit by a pitch. Continuing to play small ball, Rachel Gabbard laid down a bunt that rolled the first baseline and moved Cornelius into scoring position. Cornelius was then able to complete the daring steal attempt of third and score on a Hanover error. Kamryn McCool, then closed the door on any hopes of a Hanover comeback in the bottom of the seventh, to win and advance in the tournament.
The Lions collected seven hits total on their way to scoring four runs. Ivers finished the game with a pair of hits and one RBI. Lang and Bramble each collected one RBI on the game. These four runs, gave McCool the support to earn her 16 win of the season. The pitcher went seven innings, allowing four hits, one earned run and eight strikeouts.
On Sunday, May 8 the Mount St. Joseph University Softball program will play for the conference championship. This game will see the Lions take on the winner of Transylvania and Hanover College, from the losers bracket. First pitch of Championship Sunday is scheduled for 1 PM. For complete coverage of the 2022 HCAC Softball Championship and all other MSJ Athletics, continue to follow msjlions.com and @MSJ_Athletics on Twitter.
