Lexington, Kentucky—On Tuesday, April 26 the Mount St. Joseph University Softball Program traveled to Transylvania University for a regular season double header. In the first game of this double header, the Pioneers took game one by a final score of 2-0. The Lions took game two by a final of 6-1. Fast forward to Sunday, May 8, the two teams were playing for an HCAC Championship and an Automatic bid in the NCAA regionals.
From the first pitch, a pitchers dual looked to form, as Kamryn McCool struck out three of the first four batters she faced. In the bottom of the second, the Lions capitalized on two Transy fielding errors. Rachel Gabbard drew a walk to leadoff the inning and Alyssa Whitmer entered the game in a pinch running role. Whitmer looked to be caught in a jam with a great throw by the Pioneers catcher, however a throwing error by the shortstop allowed Whitmer to sneak into scoring position. Casey Bramble then laid down a great bunt that forced the second Transy throwing error of the game and the first Lions run. Maddie Kennedy came to the plate with one runner in scoring position and smashed an RBI double down the left field line. Kaci Finchum moved Kennedy to third with a sacrifice bunt and a sacrifice fly from the bat of Elizabeth Ivers gave the Lions a 3-0 lead.
In the top of the third, the Pioneers cut the Lions lead to two, with an RBI single. In the bottom of the fourth, the Lions added another run to their benefit, Ives hit a fly ball into shallow right field that brought Kennedy across the plate for the second time of the game. Following a long, scoreless fifth the Lions added an insurance run. In the leadoff role, Kennedy continued her great day with a solo home run that pushed the Mount ahead 5-1. With two outs in the bottom of the seventh, the Pioneers came up with a clutch two run triple, trimming the lead to 5-3.
On the Lions way to another Heartland Conference Championship, the Lions saw great contributions from several players. Kennedy finished the game three for three at the plate with a home run, double, three runs scored and two RBI. Ivers finished the game with two RBI. The pair of Macy Cornelius and Kaci Finchum each collected a double. McCool delivered another masterful performance, pitching the full seven innings scattering five hits and surrendering two earned runs. On her way to her 17 win of the season, McCool struck out 9 batters.
Following the win the HCAC all tournament teams were announced. Kelsi Stevenson, Maddie Kennedy, Elizabeth Ivers and Kamryn McCool were all named to the team. McCool also took home the HCAC Tournament MVP award.
Now, the HCAC Champions will wait for their next stopping point as they now hold the rights to an automatic bid in the NCAA tournament. The selection show is scheduled for 1 PM on Monday, May 9. For continued coverage of the Lions upcoming games, continue to follow msjlions.com
