TROUTVILLE, Va. – Two home runs and a near perfect pitching performance from Oklahoma Christian University was the difference as the Lee softball team fell to the Eagles 5-0 on Friday afternoon in the National Christian College Athletic Association World Series from the scenic Botetourt Sports Complex.
With the loss the Lady Flames settled for a third place finish going 3-2 during the three day championship tournament. Lee ends the year with a 36-19 record. Oklahoma Christian improves to 32-20 and advances on to the championship game against Simpson University (Calif.) Friday evening.
The story of the game was the pitching of sophomore Shea Coats. The Eagles' ace pitched a complete game no-hitter to send her team to the final round. Coats struck out five and worked around six walks, including walking the bases loaded in the first inning, to finish off the shutout victory.
After getting out of the jam in the top of the first the Oklahoma Christian offense wasted little time jumping on the board as Haliey Squier roped a three-run homer off the top of the left field fence to put the No. 4 seed up early 3-0.
Courtney Starr followed in the second frame as she belted a two-run shot over the left field fence to put OCU up by a comfortable 5-0 margin.
Both home runs given up by Lee starter Angie Hughes (18-9) came with two outs in the inning. Hughes appeared to work out of the jam in the second inning but a questionable call prolonged Starr's at bat. The left fielder made the most of the opportunity launching the next pitch deep over the wall.
Hughes tossed four innings and allowed five runs on six hits. She walked four and had three punch outs. Freshman Leigh Beatenbough came on to pitch the final two innings in relief. Beatenbough did not allow a run, walked a pair and struck out two.
"To win a national championship you have to get some breaks and we didn't today," said head coach Emily Russell. It was tough but we head a great season. This team has taken some great strides for the program. Last season we were barely .500 and this season we were back to our winning tradition."
Following the contest senior outfielder Dominique Hannah and junior first baseman Lexie Dean were named to the all-tournament team. Hannah finished her final year with a .376 average, 12 doubles, seven triples and 53 RBI. Dean led the team with a .417 average and 75 hits.
"I know we are on the right track for this end of the transition to D2. I'm very proud of this team and all they have accomplished," added Russell. "They are phenomenal people and have given everything that was asked of them."
The Lady Flames will be fully eligible for NCAA Division II postseason play next season after finishing fourth in the GSC this year. Lee scored series victories over GSC Tournament Champion Shorter University and No. 9 ranked North Alabama this season.
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