(Easley, SC) – Concordia softball competed in the championship game of the NCCAA World Series on Thursday afternoon, facing off against #1 overall seed Mid-America Christian. The game lived up to its billing with the contest requiring extra innings to determine the winner. While the Cardinals nearly pulled ahead with a play at the plate in the 8th inning, Mid-America Christian was able to score in the bottom of the 8th for a narrow 3-2 win.
Lauren Reichel pitched a complete game in the contest, notching 3 strikeouts. Mid-America Christian had not given up a run all throughout the tournament, but the Cardinals changed that in the very first inning. Abbie Begley led off with a double, advanced to third on a Koryn Playford groundout, and scored on an RBI single from Shannon McAlinden.
Mid-America Christian took a 2-1 lead in the 3rd with two home runs. The game settled into a defensive contest until the top of the 6th inning when Shannon McAlinden crushed a solo home run to tie the game 2-2. The match remained tied after the 7th, sending the championship game to extra innings.
Koryn Playford led off the 8th inning with a double and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt from Shannon McAlinden. Emma Paryaski was able to put the ball in play, but Playford was narrowly thrown out at the plate to keep the game tied.
The Evangels advanced their lead-off runner to third base in the bottom of the 8th and then laid down a bunt, looking to score the game-winning run. While Sarah Tyrrell read the situation well and dove in from third base to make a play, the ball barely dropped in fair territory and Mid-America Christian claimed the 3-2 win.
Upon the conclusion of the game, the NCCAA announced the all-tournament team and Abbie Begley and Lauren Reichel were recognized for their outstanding play.
