Cougar Use Big Inning For Win

MODESTO, Calif. – Azusa Pacific scored 4 unearned runs in the fourth inning to close out play in the Best in the West Invitational with a 4-1 victory over tourney host and NCAA Division II No. 23-ranked Cal State Stanislaus.

The Cougars used 3 singles and a costly fielding error to overcome a 1-0 deficit and post its third victory in 5 games at the tourney.

Senior Jen Robison opened the inning by reaching first base on a fielding error by Warrior second baseman Janelle Hendrix.  All-American Lorna Lyttle, who had already hit 4 home runs through 4 games, then walked.  After a Jennie Waleszonia sacrifice moved Cassie Lakey, running for Robison, and Lyttle, right fielder Sasha Budde plated Lakey on an infielder chopper that knotted the score at 1-1.  Freshman Megan Alkire then walked and her sister Rachel Alkire followed with a single to left that scored Lyttle and gave the Cougars the lead for good.  Third baseman Trisha Rico rapped a single to left as well, scoring Megan Alkire to push the Cougar lead to 3-1.  Kelli Thiederman then capped the inning with a single to deep short that scored Rachel Alkire.

Azusa Pacific threatened again in the fifth inning with runners at second and third and no outs.  However, Warrior reliever Rachelle Verhoeven got out of the jam unharmed when she induced a lineout, and a pair of groundouts.

Meanwhile, the Cougars rode the pitching of Rachel Alkire, who scattered 5 hits over 7 innings, striking out 2 and walking 1.    Once she had the lead, Alkire took control, allowing just 2 hits over the final 4 innings, retiring the side in order in the fourth and seventh innings.

With the victory, Azusa Pacific improves to 3-2 while Stanislaus falls to 2-4.

For her effort, Lyttle was named to the all-tourney team.

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Players Mentioned

#18 Rachel Alkire: P/INF; 5' 7"; Freshman; R/R

#20 Megan Alkire: P/INF; 5' 6"; Freshman; R/R

Players Mentioned

#18 Rachel Alkire
: 5' 7"; Freshman; R/R
: P/INF

#20 Megan Alkire
: 5' 6"; Freshman; R/R
: P/INF

Players Mentioned

#18 Rachel Alkire

#20 Megan Alkire

Players Mentioned

#18 Rachel Alkire

#20 Megan Alkire