MONTCLAIR, N.J.- Tufts University used a pair of two-run home runs and a stellar pitching performance by sophomore righthander Izzie Santone in posting a 4-0 shutout victory over Texas-Tyler in the NCAA Division III Softball Championship at Montclair State University on Sunday.
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Tufts (44-2), which was held to just to just three hits in a 1-0 loss to Coe on Saturday, bounced back with nine hits in the game, including a two-run home run by junior shortstop Casey Sullivan in the top of second inning and then one by freshman first baseman Lena Cantone in the fourth.
Santone, who improved her record to 21-1 on the season, allowed just seven base runners on four hits, two walks and an error. The righthander got support from a solid defense as the Jumbos turned two double plays in the game.
Texas-Tyler (39-10), in only its second NCAA tournament appearance since becoming a member of NCAA Division III in 2008, could only muster multiple base runners just once and never got a runner past second base in the game. The loss eliminated the Patriots, who were the number five seed out of the Marshall, Texas first round bracket.
Senior designated player Alison Drobiarz, senior rightfielder Maya Ripecky and junior shortstop Casey Sullivan all chipped in with two hits apiece for Tufts, who will face Gustavus Adolphus Sunday night at 7:30 p.m. in another elimination game. |