Central Michigan University Athletics
Central Michigan University
Arkansas
Chippewas Fall In Palm Springs Finale
2/21/2016 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Andy Sneddon, CMUChippewas.com
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. - Arkansas scored seven runs in its final two at-bats Sunday to hand Central Michigan a 12-4 loss in the Chippewas' final game of the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic.
CMU finished 1-4 in the event and is 4-6 on the season. The Chippewas are off until their Spring Break trip to Florida, where they are scheduled to play 13 games in 12 days, beginning March 4 against Sam Houston State.
The Chippewas collected 10 hits against the Razorbacks on Sunday, but stranded seven base runners. Arkansas finished with 13 hits, and made the most of its opportunities in contrast to the Chippewas, CMU coach Margo Jonker said.
"Our pitching didn't come through today," she said. "I thought our offense was OK. Arkansas really took advantage of the hard ground with the hard bouncers and we did not take advantage of that.
"They got the big hit every time that they needed it and we didn't."
Chelsea DeLamielleure led CMU with three hits, including a double and a triple, while CarolAnn Sexauer added two hits, one a double, and drove in three runs.
Also for the Chippewas, Allison Curtis doubled, and Sara Hansen, Katelyn Rentschler, Sydney Heath and Evelyn Lorimer each singled.
Rachael Knapp started for the Chippewas and took the loss. Laura Vaccaro and Hanna Warren both worked in relief.
Knapp allowed seven runs on nine hits and struck out seven over 3 2/3 innings.
CMU's lone win in the Nutter came on Saturday, when they knocked off ninth-ranked Arizona, 4-1.
"I think it shows this team has the ability to beat the best and the ability to get beat by anyone as well if we don't play our best game," Jonker said.
