Hilltoppers fall, 3-1, to Emporia State in Game One of NCAA Semifinal
HOUSTON, Texas -St. Edward's fell behind early in Friday's game against Emporia State at Warrior Field. The loss, 3-1, will force a second semifinal game between the Hilltoppers and the Hornets in NCAA Division II World Series.
Emporia State (47-16) scored in the first inning. With two runners on first and second, a sacrifice groundout to second base by Jennifer Dace advanced the runners. Another groundout to second base from Miranda Campbell would score Jessie Wiard before the end of the inning.
The Hornets increased their lead to 3-0 with two more runs in the fourth inning. Another groundout to second base scored pinch runner Nicole Bergley. Aubree Brattin singled to score Hughes after she reached base on a walk.
St. Edward's (53-16) attempted an answer in the sixth inning but came up short. Freshman Lexi Stephens singled and then scored on a double down the left field line from senior Kristen Lozano. A foul out to first base would end the inning with the Hilltoppers still down, 3-1.
Senior Robin Becker (28-8) pitched the first 3.2 innings, allowed only four hits and struckout one batter. Freshman Diana Cezeaux pitched 3.1 innings, allowed just one hit and struckout two batters.
St. Edward's will face Emporia State again Saturday at Memorial Park, Warrior Field. The first pitch is set for 10 a.m. and the winner will advance to the Championship Game Saturday afternoon. Logan Lawrence will bring you all the action live on the St. Edward's Athletics website.