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 Meghan Misiak recorded her third straight win. |
April 14, 2006
DETROIT - In a battle between two of the hottest teams in the nation, the Wayne State University softball squad (20-16 overall, 9-2 GLIAC) recorded a 2-1 triumph over visiting Northwood University (24-10 overall, 7-2 GLIAC) Friday afternoon at the WSU Softball Stadium. The victory moved WSU into sole possession of first place in the GLIAC standings.
The visiting Timberwolves entered the twinbill having won 17 of their previous 19 contests and were ranked 23rd in the nation by the NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association). Meanwhile, the Warriors had 13 victories in their last 15 outings and were 10th in this week's Great Lakes Region poll.
WSU scored an unearned run in the second as sophomore Sarah Berry (Acton, Ont.) reached on an error. Sophomore Lindsey Perry (Taylor, Mich./Kennedy) laid down a sacrifice bunt and Berry advanced to third on a wild pitch. Junior catcher Sarah Kish (St. Catharines, Ont./St. Francis S.S.) singled with one out to plate Berry with the game's first run.
NU tied the game in the top of the third with a walk to Alyssa Eppler on a 3-2 pitch, a sacrifice bunt by Colleen Cooke and an RBI single to center field by Amanda Hayman.
Wayne State scored the winning run in the bottom of the fourth as Kish had a two-out single on the 10th pitch thrown to her in the at bat. Freshman second baseman Lisa Seymour (Davison, Mich.) then drilled the next pitch over the center fielder's head for an RBI double.
Northwood had a chance to tie the game in the top of the sixth as Korey Schluckbier recorded an infield single with one out. Sam Thacker doubled to left field, but pinch runner Kristen Estes was nailed at the plate on a diving tag by Kish after throws from left fielder Becky Quinn (Ortonville, Mich./Oakland Christian) and shortstop Sue Verbeem (LaSalle, Ont./Sandwich S.S.).
Warrior senior pitcher Meghan Misiak (9-6) earned her third consecutive win by allowing one run on five hits in seven innings with three strikeouts. Lisa Shepard (15-3) went the distance for Northwood allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits with six strikeouts.
