May 21, 2008

DECATUR, Ala. - Lubbock Christian (Texas) defeated Point Loma Nazarene (Calif.), 4-0, in the loser's bracket final to advance to the title game at the 2008 NAIA Softball National Championship.

Honda Rodriguez drove in two runs while Lisa Stratton and Raquel Hawkins each had a RBI.  Marissa Gonzalez pitched seven shutout innings for the win with six strikeouts.

Lubbock Christian manufactured two runs in the bottom of the second inning on five walks.  Jessica Latson and Jade Espinoza both scored from third on bases loaded walks.  The Lady Chaps scored two more in the fourth to take a 4-0 lead.  Espinoza led off the inning with single to the pitcher and moved to second on a wild throw.  Sabrina Hernandez advanced Espinoza with a bunt single while Rodriguez brought her home with single to left-center.  Hawkins followed with a single to deep right to score Hernandez from second.

Lubbock Christian will advance to the championship game against Mobile (Ala.) at 1:30 p.m.  The Lady Chaps need a win to force an if necessary game at 4 p.m. in the double elimination bracket.

Point Loma will end its season with 50-12 overall record.