The Gustavus softball team defeated Webster University 11-1 in five innings on Sunday afternoon to win the NCAA Midwest Regional and advance to the Division III Finals for the first time in the program’s history. The Gusties (39-7) will now face the Univ. of Texas-Tyler on Friday, May 15 at 11 am (EST).
The Gusties, who were seeded seventh at the regional, did not lose a game and outscored their opponents 41-14 on their way to a 4-0 mark.
The offense continued to shine on Sunday as Gustavus registered eight hits and scored double-digit runs for the third time in four games. First year second baseman Lisa Klass led the team at the plate as she went 2-for-2 with two runs scored and two RBI. She drove in two runs with a single in the fourth inning and two more with a home run in the fifth inning.
The Gusties led 1-0 after three innings and then exploded for seven runs in the fourth and three more in the fifth to claim the 11-1 win in five innings. The big blows in the seven-run fourth inning included a bases-loaded double by Dani Cattrysse and a bases-loaded single by Lisa Klass. In the fifth inning, Gustavus got a two-run home run from Lisa Klass, while Raquel Davis drove in the other run with a fielder’s choice.
On the mound, Betsie Collins never allowed Webster to get in the game as she limited the Gorloks to two hits and one run, while striking out four and walking five.
Four Gustavus players were named to the All Tournament Team including senior shortstop Rachael Click, senior outfielder Emily Klein, sophomore first baseman Emily Wendorff, and first year second baseman Lisa Klass.
Joining Gustavus at the 2009 NCAA Division III Softball Elite Eight will be the University of Texas-Tyler (38-8), Coe College (38-11), Salisbury State (39-5), Cortland State (44-7), Tufts (42-1), Messiah (39-4), and Ohio Northern (39-4). The tournament will be hosted by Montclair State University in Montclair, New Jersey.