May 21, 2008

Boxscore | Play-By-Play | Pool Play | Championship Bracket

DECATUR, Ala. - Lubbock Christian (Texas) claimed its first softball national title with a 2-1 win over Mobile (Ala.) at the 28th Annual National Championship held at Wilson Morgan Softball Complex in Decatur, Alabama.

Kelly Griego started on the mound for Lubbock Christian and pitched 5.2 innings for the win while Marissa Gonzalez tossed 1.1 innings for the save.

Lubbock Christian scored both runs in the top of the second inning.  Jade Espinoza singled and advanced to third on Sabrina Hernandez's single to right-center.  Daniela Garcia pinch hit for Lisa Stratton and singled to left to bring home Espinoza.  Honda Rodriguez drew a walk to load the bases and Raquel Hawkins grounded out to second to drive in the second run.

Mobile scored its run in the sixth inning.  Anadys Suarez doubled and scored on Kelyn Mendoza's double to deep right.

Lubbock Christian became the third team in NAIA softball history to come out of the loser's bracket to capture the title.  St. Mary's (Texas) won in 1986 while Thomas (Ga.) did it in 2004.

The Lady Chaps will finish their season with 60-10 overall record while the Rams end their season with 42-10 record.

2008 All-Tournament Team

Karli Rush	C	Trevecca Nazarene (Tenn.)
Kelly Jahn	1B	Dickinson State (N.D.)
Sharon Bell	P	St. Gregory's (Okla.)
Meaghan Cumpstone	C	Simon Fraser (B.C.)
Allison Dennis	INF	California Baptist
Chantal Millard	INF	California Baptist
Amy Thomas	P	California Baptist
Amanda Addie	OF	Point Loma Nazarene (Calif.)
Melissa Gomez	P	Point Loma Nazarene (Calif.)
Paige Powell	OF	Point Loma Nazarene (Calif.)
Kelyn Mendoza	OF	Mobile (Ala.)
Ginger Reeser	P	Mobile (Ala.)
Yaicey Sojo	OF	Mobile (Ala.)
Marissa Gonzalez	P	Lubbock Christian (Texas)
Raquel Hawkins	INF	Lubbock Christian (Texas)
Honda Rodriguez	INF	Lubbock Christian (Texas)

Most Valuable Player: Raquel Hawkins, Lubbock Christian (Texas)