Fontbonne Drops First Game at NCAA Softball Regional

Pella, Iowa - The Fontbonne University softball team came up just short in their first game of the NCAA Regional held in Pella, Iowa, today losing to Washington University-St. Louis, 3-2. The Griffins (29-9) will now move into the loser's bracket of the regional and play Anderson College tomorrow at 10 am. Anderson, the #8 seed lost to #1 seed Linfield College 10-0.

The #5 seeded Griffins jumped on the #4 seeded Bears early as sophomore Kourtney VonBehren blasted a two-run home run in the top of the second inning to give Fontbonne a 2-0 lead. Washington University responded with a run each in the bottom of the third and fifth inning to tie the score at 2-2.

Fontbonne came within feet of taking the lead in the top of the sixth inning as a long run blast by senior Amanda Beaver came up just foul. The Griffins stranded runners at second and third to end the inning.

The Bears took advantage as they grabbed the lead in the bottom of the sixth inning on a pair of hits and a walk to take a 3-2 lead. After taking the 3-2 lead, Washington threatened to blow the game open as they still had runners on at second and third with nobody out. Fontbonne brought VonBehren into the came as a pitcher and she struck out three straight Bears to keep the Griffins within striking distance.

Fontbonne however couldn't solve Washington University starter Claire Voris who threw a complete game five-hitter. She improved to 16-4 on the season.

You can follow the Griffins live tomorrow at http://client.stretchinternet.com/client/central.portal#.

Courtesy Fontbonne University sports information