Scots Survive Scare in NCAA Regional Opener
By Nate JerveyAlma College Sports Information
ALMA, Mich. - The Alma College Scots (30-8) survived a scare in their opening game of the NCAA regional tournament, escaping with a 4-3 victory over North Central College. Leigh Ann LaFave (Bark River/Escanaba) pitched six and two-thirds strong innings to earn the victory and Melissa Tavidian (New Hudson/South Lyon) got the final out of the ballgame to earn the save.
After allowing a first inning run, LaFave was nearly untouchable the remainder of the game, keeping the Cardinals offense in check into the seventh inning. LaFave ran into some trouble in the seventh after allowing a leadoff single she seemed to be out of trouble when she retired the next two batters. However, another single and a fielding error put two runners on base. North Central came through with a two-run single and LaFave was relieved by Tavidian who need only two pitches to retire the last batter and secure the victory. For the game LaFave gave up six hits, three runs (two earned), struck out six batters and walked none.
Alma was given a much-needed offensive spark from pinch-hitter Christy Brewer (Clare) when she delivered a clutch two-out, two-RBI double in the bottom of the fourth to give Alma a 2-1 lead. Emily Blahnik (Corunna) delivered a two-RBI double of her own in the sixth which gave the Scots a short-lived 4-1 margin.
Alma returns to action Saturday, May 14 against Aurora at 12 p.m. at Scots Park. Aurora advanced via a 5-0 victory over Edgewood.
Posted: Fri, May 13th, 2005 at 9:11PM
