Central Michigan University Athletics
Central Michigan University
Bowling Green
Chippewas Fall in Home Finale
5/3/2015 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Cullen Maksimowski, CMUChippewas.com
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. -- All signs seemed to point to a Central Michgian victory Sunday in the regular-season finale at Margo Jonker Stadium as the Chippewas carried a 2-0 lead into the sixth inning.
Bowling Green had other plans however as the Falcons went on to steal a 3-2 victory in nine innings to split the two-game Mid-American Conference.
The Chippewas finish the regular season 25-21, 12-8 in the MAC. Bowling Green is 20-28, 8-14.
CMU finishes in fourth place in the league and will be seeded fourth in the MAC Tournament which begins Wednesday, in Akron. The Chippewas will play fifth-seeded Western Michigan in their tournament opener.
"I'm very disappointed in the outcome of the game," said CMU coach Margo Jonker. "We had 13 hits and only scored two runs; we left a number of runners on base, we had the bases loaded with our 3-4-5 hitters up and we couldn't get the ball out of the infield."
Central Michigan left 11 runners on base in the loss.
CMU jumped out to 2-0 lead when Trista Cox and Katelyn Rentschler shot back-to-back RBI singles into center field in the first inning.
Cleanup hitter Morgan Evangelista tied it with a two-out, two-run homer in the sixth and Braiden Dillow's two-out solo shot in the ninth put the Falcons ahead for good.
Lacey Tolfree and Sara Hansen notched three hits each to lead the Chippewas at the play.
"We came out pretty hot, but I think we fell a little short," Cox said. "Bowling Green's record might not show it, but they're a great team, they have a lot of fight and they really came through today."
Cox, a senior, had two hits in her final game at Margo Jonker Stadium and was honored before the game along with fellow seniors Kristen Kuhlman and Karly Hansen.
"Honestly every game here is surreal," Cox said. " It's an amazing facility and we have a great following from the people in Mt. Pleasant and the parents.
"Seeing my number painted out there on the field is something I never would have imagined and it was exciting and a lot of fun."
Cox also received a marriage proposal at home plate from her boyfriend, Tyler, after the game.
"Tyler asked me a couple weeks ago if he could propose at our final game and I said of course," Jonker said. "They have been together for long time and I am very happy for them."
Sophomore Rachael Knapp (15-10) took the loss. She struck out 10 and held the Falcons to five hits.
Dilliow (6-6) pitched 2 2/3 innings in relief for the Falcons, earning the win.
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