SALEM, Va. (DSC) – Lindsey Gustine’s two-out single drove home a pair of runs to pace the University of Indianapolis to a 3-0 victory over Dixie State in an elimination game at the NCAA Division II Softball Championships on Saturday.
Gustin’es single came after Carmen Martinez had walked and Chrissy Stephens had singled in the second inning.
The Greyhounds (42-12) added Jessica Breeden’s solo home run in the third inning.
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Dixie State (41-13) threatened in the first and second inning before the Greyhounds’ MeganRussell got comfortable in the circle.
Bailie Hicken opened the first inning with a single and Dabney McIntyre was safe on an error during a sacrifice bunt. But Russell got the next three batters to end that threat.
In the second Russell hit Kelsey Mendenhall with a pitch, but Mendenhall was out when she fell down while Breanna Egge was trying to bunt. Egge eventually struck out. Jaki Hawkins doubled and Katlyn Peters singled but Russell got Hicken on a lineout.
The Red Storm managed just six hits against Russell. Peters had three of them.
The Greyhounds had six hits off Lauren Folta and reliever Brittney Whipple. Gustine had two.
“It was a great season where we accomplished so much, it’s tough that it’s over,” said sophomore Ashley McFarland.
Dixie State, which has just three seniors(Schumers, McIntyre, and Kaonohi), was making its first trip to the national championship tournament. The Red Storm are just in their third year of NCAA membership and in their first year of playoff eligibility.