Post-game press conference
Photo gallery
Box score
SALEM, Va.- The University of Indianapolis softball team defeated No. 19 Dixie State College, 3-0 to advance in the NCAA Division II Softball Championships Saturday afternoon. The Greyhounds will now face Lock Haven University in the double-elimination tournament.
The Hounds scored their first two runs on a two-out rally in the top of the second inning.
Carmen Martinez (Rio Linda, Calif./Rio Linda) walked and
Chrissy Stephens (Anderson, Ind./Anderson) singled to put two runners aboard for
Lindsey Gustine (Circleville, Ohio/Circleville). The senior proceeded to lash a two-strike double to right center, scoring both and giving UIndy a quick 2-0 lead.
UIndy (37-20) would get an insurance run in the next frame when
Jessica Breeden (Martinsville, Ind./Martinsville) hammered her seventh homer of the season deep over the centerfield fence on a line shot.
That would be more than enough for
Megan Russell (Indianapolis, Ind./Franklin Central), who worked through some tough innings early, but mowed through the Red Storm lineup the rest of the way. After Russell wiggled free from runners at second and third in each of the first two innings, the junior allowed just three hits in the final five frames en route to her 20th win of the season (20-11).
The Hounds remain alive in the tournament with one win and one loss. UIndy and Lock Haven are scheduled to play later Saturday with first pitch at approximately 4:00 p.m.