COLUMBIA, Ky. – The Corban University softball team stayed hot in Kentucky at the NAIA Opening Round, dominating Madonna University (Mich.) in five innings, 8-0. With the win, the Warriors advance to the NAIA Opening Round Columbia Bracket Championship contest, slated for tomorrow at 10 a.m. PST against an opponent to still be determined.
"This was a great win for Corban Softball," said Corban head coach Abigail Farler. "Our pitching, defense, and offense were all great, and our dugout was absolutely incredible this game. They provided so much energy. It was a very fun team win!"
The Warriors jumped all over the Crusaders in the first inning, and it was Iris Rodriguez who came through in the clutch once again with a two-RBI single up the middle, scoring Jessie Isham and Taylor Eilders.
After Maddy Melton reached base via a walk in the third inning and then stole second, it set the table for Isham. Isham turned on a pitch and cranked one way over the left-field fence for a two-run home run, extending the advantage to 4-0. The home run was hit so far that the left fielder didn't even move in the outfield after the ball was hit, watching it sail over the fence.
Later in the frame, Sam Woodley laced an RBI single up the middle to make it 5-0.
In the fourth, the Warriors made it 8-0 thanks to an RBI walk from Chaleigh Kirkwood and another RBI from Rodriguez.
Dealing in the circle, Allie Mendez shut the door on Madonna, finishing out a complete-game shutout for her 15th win of the season and second win of the NAIA Opening Round. While going the distance, she allowed just three hits while striking out three Madonna batters.
The Corban (42-11) bats got to Madonna's (31-15) Erin Combs, who just a day previously shutout Lindsey Wilson in an 1-0 upset win. The Warriors racked up eight hits, led by Isham's 2-for-3 showing at the plate with two RBI, while Rodriguez also went 2-for-3 with three RBI. In addition, Eilders went 2-for-3 with two runs scored.
Corban will find out its opponent later in the afternoon today following the conclusion of Tuesday's second elimination contest. The winner of the Lindsey Wilson vs. Taylor game will play Madonna in the final game on Tuesday, with the winner of that game facing Corban in Wednesday's championship contest. Whichever team that is that faces the Warriors would need to beat Corban twice in order to advance to the NAIA Softball World Series, while Corban will need just one win over whichever opponent it faces.
Live Stats and live video will once again be available on Wednesday. A watch party will also be taking place in the upstairs classroom of the C.E. Jeffers Sports Center for any Warrior fan that wants to come and watch the game for free. First pitch is scheduled for 10 a.m. PST.
Become a fan of Corban Athletics on Facebook
Follow Corban Athletics on Twitter @CorbanAthletics
Follow Corban Athletics on Instagram: corbanathletics
Follow Corban Athletics on Snapchat: corbanathletics
Watch Corban Warrior videos on Youtube: CorbanUAthletics
Sign up for our Corban Warriors email Newsletter
#WarriorNation
