CLERMONT, Fla. – Top-seeded No. 14 Thomas University downed fourth-seeded University of South Carolina Beaufort, 6-1, Thursday morning on the first day of the Sun Conference Softball Championship Tournament held at the PFX Athletics Legends Way Ballfields.
Thomas scored three runs over the first two innings, then after USCB plated one in the top of the fifth, TU added three more in the bottom of the frame to earn the 6-1 victory.
Sun Conference Pitcher of the Year
Lauren West allowed just one run and four hits while striking out one in 6.0 innings on the mound to earn the win.
First team all-conference honoree
Kelsey Connolly and Corryne Diaz were each 2-for-3 and honorable mention all-conference performer
Victoria Camina hit a triple for the Night Hawks.
In the bottom of the first, first team all-conference
Kait Stoltz drew a one-out walk, then stole second and advanced to third on an infield error. With two outs, Connolly singled to right center, driving in Stoltz.
Diaz singled to center in the second, then honorable mention all-conference
Izzy Ekstam singled down the right field line in time for Camina to send a two-out triple to right field, picking up two RBI.
Three hits led to one run for USC Beaufort in the top of the fifth, but TU answered with three runs in the bottom of the inning.
Stoltz hit a leadoff single to right, then first team all-conference
Gaby Mora put down a sac bunt to advance the runner. Connolly singled to center field and advanced to second on the throw to put two runners in scoring position. First team all-conference
A.J. Weiss then stepped to the plate and doubled down the right field line, plating both runners. With two outs, Diaz doubled to right center, driving in one more run and giving TU the 6-1 edge.
Check out the tournament homepage here: http://thesunconference.com/sports/2018/4/28/2018sb.aspx?id=1006&
Thomas next faces second-seeded No. 21 Southeastern at 2:30 p.m. on Friday. The winner of that game plays in the championship game on Saturday at 4 p.m., while the loser plays a second game on Friday, at 7 p.m.
