Chippewas Capture First Win Behind Arm of Dornbos

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TAMPA, Fla. - Central Michigan earned its first win of the 2012 campaign, defeating South Dakota State before falling to Villanova during the first day of the Under Armour Invitational.

The Chippewas (1-6) opened the day with a 2-0 win over the Jackrabbits (0-4) behind the arm of Kara Dornbos, who pitched her first shutout of the year, before falling 3-2 to the Wildcats (3-3).

Dornbos Shines in Florida, Shutting out Jackrabbits
Macy Merchant got the Chippewas' offense going early against the Jackrabbits with single to begin the game. Two batters later Molly Coldren reached on an error, which moved Merchant to third. This allowed Merchant to advance home following an error by the catcher, putting CMU up 1-0. Summer Knoop singled to center field bringing Coldren home and putting the Maroon and Gold up 2-0. Both teams had scoring opportunities through out the remainder of the game, but neither could capitalize.

Dornbos went the distance, only allowing two hits and retiring 12-straight batters at one point for the Maroon and Gold.

Four Chippewas recorded base hits, including Merchant, who moved her hitting streak to five. Knoop, Brogan Darwin and Cory DeLamielleure each notched a base hit.

Rally Falls Short Against Wildcats
After falling behind, 3-1, the Chippewas tried to rally back in the top of the fifth. Karly Hansen began the inning with a line drive to center field. Rachael Hensel laid down a sacrifice bunt, which moved Hansen to second. Merchant moved the hitting streak to six, following a single to right field that scored Hansen. Brittney Horan followed Merchant with a base hit, placing runners on first and second with one out. Villanova retired the next two batters and the threat was ended. The Wildcat defense shut down the Chippewas in the final two innings to seal the win.

Villanova struck first in the bottom of the first inning following a Chippewa error. CMU tied things up in the top of the second when Knoop began the inning with a double to left field. Two batters later, Hansen singled to left center, her first hit of the season, allowing Knoop to score and knotting the score at 1-1. The Wildcats grabbed the lead again in the bottom of the fourth following three base hits to begin the inning.

Chelsea Sundberg threw six innings allowing three runs, only two of which were earned, on eight hits. She struck out five in the process.

CMU had a season-high 10 hits with Merchant, Knoop, Sexauer and Hansen all recording two each.

The Maroon and Gold return to the diamond tomorrow, when they face Saint Francis and Loyola Marymount beginning at 9:15 a.m.