Softball ends season with 4-3 loss to Luther

W, 7-0; L, 3-4
Ripon; Luther, May 15, 2011

The Tommie softball team finished as region runner-up with a 1-1 split of Sunday games in the NCAA playoffs in Eau Claire, Wis. The Toms eliminated Ripon, 7-0, but lost 4-3 to No. 4-ranked Luther as the Norse claimed the berth in the College World Series.

Luther (41-4), which beat UST 11-2 on Saturday, went 4-0 to win the eight-team regional.

UST, which closed its season 42-6, fell behind 3-1 and later 4-2 and fell just short of tying the game. They had the tying run at third base in the top of the seventh inning but couldn't score, and left six runners on base.

Christy Gries allowed three earned runs in six innings to take the game two loss.

In the Ripon win, Cassie Smith had a complete-game shutout. Smith allowed six hits and one walks. Sydney Marquardt went 3-for-4 and Kayla Boward went 2-for-3 to lead an 11-hit attack.

Click here for Ripon box score:

http://www.uwecblugolds.com/sites/soft/ncaa11/stats/ncaa-13.htm

Click here for Luther box score:

http://www.uwecblugolds.com/sites/soft/ncaa11/stats/ncaa-14.htm