Central Michigan University Athletics
Chippewas Open MAC Tournament with 3-1 Win
5/10/2007 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Box Score
MIDLAND, Mich. The Central Michigan University Chippewas ended a four-game Mid-American Conference Tournament losing skid against the Miami RedHawks with a 3-1 victory on Thursday afternoon at Currie Stadium.
Miami (26-34-1) had ended CMU’s 14-game MAC Tournament winning streak back in 2003 and the Chippewas hadn’t defeated the RedHawks in MAC Tournament play since, dropping three more over the last three years.
Jacque Benedict jumped started the Chippewas (25-19) with a two-run single in the first inning. Benedict, CMU’s leading run producer, plated Suzie Giroux who walked and Amy Hudson who singled.
"Jacque has been crucial for us recently," coach Margo Jonker said. "We were trying to create some things today. Sometimes, when it’s a tight game, the batters want to keep the batson their shoulder but when you call a hit and run they don’t have that chance.
"We seemed to be a little tight but we were playing with passion and that’s all you can ask for."
The early 2-0 lead helped CMU settle in defensively. After giving up a leadoff triple in the first, pitcher Ali Pettit didn’t allow another hit until the fifth inning.
Freshman Christina Novak then gave Pettit a three-run cushion with a solo homer in the top of the sixth.
Miami left the bases loaded in the fifth and scored its only run in the sixth. With the bases loaded again and one out, Kimberly Williams grounded one to second base and CMU got the runner out at second but couldn’t turn an inning-ending double play. That allowed the RedHawks to score an unearned run on the fielder’s choice for their only tally of the game.
Pettit (16-7) went the distance allowing only four hits. She struck out six and walked two.
Starter Meredith Linch (13-18) took the loss for Miami going five and two-thirds innings and giving up five hits and three earned runs. She fanned five and walked four. Shalise Lugo came on in relief for the final four outs and she did not allow a hit.
Stephanie Crews was the lone player in the game with a pair of hits. She singled in the second and fourth innings.
CMU advances to play the Kent State/NIU winner this evening. The game is currently scheduled for an 8:30 p.m. start.
