Griffins Knocked Out of National Tournament

Two late inning heart breaking losses eliminated the Fontbone University softball team from the 2015 NCAA Division III Championship. After suffering a 1-0 loss to Aurora in extra innings on Friday, Fontbonne fell 4-3 to host school Central on Saturday; eliminating the Griffins from postseason competition.

Fontbonne jumped on top of Central early on, taking a 3-0 lead after three innings. Madison Leonard kept the host team in check in the top of the first, striking out batters for the first and third outs of the inning. Fontbonne started things in the bottom half with a single by Shannon Fitzpatrick. After a fielder's choice, Danni Glixman put the Griffins on top with a two run home run to left center field.

Fontbonne tacked on another run in the bottom of the third when Fitzpatrick, who had doubled to start the inning, scored on a wild pitch following a single by Cassi Glixman. Central intentionally walked Danni Glixman to give the Griffins runners at first and second with no outs. However they were unable to push anymore runs across as Central forced a ground out and pair of fly outs to escape a big inning.

Central got on the baord in the top of the fifth when Whitney Sowers ripped an RBI double to the gap that plated Abbey Strajack, making the score 3-1. Fontbonne threatened to get that run back and more in the bottom half, loading the bases with one out on an error, walk, and Emily Smith single. However a force out at home plate for the second out and an infield pop up ended the inning.

Fontbonne took a 3-1 lead into the final inning and picked up the first out before Central mounted a comeback. A double and walk put the tying runs on for Central. After a sacrifice bunt moved the runners over Karlee Rock put Central up with a three run homer to give them a 4-3 lead. Lindsay Schaefer came on in relief and helped the Griffins escape any further damage by pitching round a pair of errors.

Despite a pair of infield popups to start the bottom of the seventh the Griffins did not go away easily. Smith singled to put the tying run on and Schaeffer followed with a single of her own. A third consecutive single by Courtney Kedroski loaded the bases for the Griffins. However Central held on for the win by striking out the final batter of the game.

Fontbonne out hit Central 10-8 in the game with Fitzpatrick, Smith, and Schaefer all picking up two hits. Leonard suffered the loss going 6 2/3 innings and allowing four runs on eight hits while striking out seven and walking five. Fontbonne finishes the season with a 30-11 overall record.