COLUMBIA, Ky. – For the first time in school history, Corban University has punched its ticket to the NAIA Softball World Series thanks to defeating Madonna University (Mich.) in the NAIA Opening Round Championship contest, 8-3. With the triumph, the Warriors tie a single-season program record with 43 wins to their name.
Click the 'Play Button' on the photo above to watch video highlights of the final out and celebration.
PHOTOS
"I am so proud of this group," said Corban head coach Abigail Farler. "They fought so hard to get to this point and deserve to go to play for a national championship. We believed that we could win our regional and came in prepared to do whatever it took. We played with a lot of energy and heart. I'm so proud of our entire team for committing and buying in this year."
The NAIA Softball World Series is slated for May 26-June 1 in Clermont, Fla. Corban will play Marian University (Ind.) on Friday, May 26 at 5 p.m. PST.
WORLD SERIES BRACKET
Playing as the visitors for the third-straight game at the NAIA Opening Round, Warrior pitcher Sabrina Boyd did a good job in the bottom half of the first to get out of a bases-loaded jam. The Warriors then took the lead in the second frame when Chaleigh Kirkwood delivered with a clutch two-RBI single with two outs, putting Corban in front, 2-0.
Leading 3-0 in the third, Madonna responded with a two-run home run to make it a one-run ballgame.
In the top of the fourth, however, Corban provided the power at the plate, as Jessie Isham smashed her second home run in as many days, cranking a two-run shot out to left-center, and then a couple of batters later, Sam Woodley crushed a two-run home run to the same spot, making it a 7-2 lead.
While Madonna (32-16) would pull one run back in the bottom half of the inning, Paige Martin gave the Warriors some cushion in the sixth with a line-drive RBI double to left-center, scoring Woodley to push the lead to 8-3.
From that point on, Allie Mendez closed the door on the Crusaders, finishing out the game in dominant fashion to punch Corban's ticket to the NAIA World Series.
Mendez finished the contest tossing 4.2 innings, allowing just two hits and one unearned run.
At the dish, Corban racked up 16 hits, with Maddy Melton leading the way with a 4-for-5 showing and one run scored. In addition, Woodley went 3-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored, while Taylor Eilders went 3-for-4 in the victory. Additionally, both Isham and Martin recorded a pair of hits each, helping Corban make history and book its trip to Florida.
Corban (43-11) is set to play Marian (47-4) in its first game of the NAIA World Series on Friday, May 26 at 5 p.m. PST. Live Video available here. Live Stats here.
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