SOFTBALL TEAM WINS REGION XX CHAMPIONSHIP

Monday, May 10 - The CSM softball team went a perfect 3-0 this weekend to win the Region XX Championship and earn a trip to Ft. Dodge, Iowa for the National Championship.  The Hawks defeated Harford 12-0 in the opening round, then beat Potomac State 8-4 to claim the winner's bracket.  After Allegany fought their way out of the loser's bracket, CSM didn't need the double chance, as they defeated the Trojans 6-3 to claim the championship.

    In the opening game against Harford on Saturday, the Hawks jumped in front early, scoring all twelve of their runs in the first three innings.  Heather Turner had the big bat in the first game, blasting a homerun in the 3rd inning to drive in three runs.  Turner also had an RBI double, and singled as she went 3-4 on the afternoon, and scored three runs.  Danielle Sturman went 3-3, scored three runs and had an RBI, Erica Bates was 3-3 with two doubles, and Jamea Waltersdorff was 2-2 with a walk, and scored three runs. 

    Heather Turner pitched a shut-out, striking out five while only allowing two hits to get the win.

    The Hawks faced a tough Potomac State team in their first game on Sunday.  CSM jumped on top with a run in the bottom of the first.  Jamea Waltersdorff singled, advanced to second on a wild pitch, was sacrificed to third by Karlee Adams, and scored on Heather Turner's single.

    The Catamounts came right back in the top of the second, when Kasey Sharp went yard to tie the game at 1-1.

    CSM regained the lead with two runs in the bottom of the third to take a 3-1 lead.  Jamea Waltersdorff singled to start another Hawk rally.  Karlee Adams sacrificed her to second, and Waltersdorff advanced to third on a wild pitch.  Heather Turner's fielders choice plated Waltersdorff, and Turner scored on Danielle Sturman's single.

    Again Potomac State came right back and reclaimed the lead in the top of the 4th, scoring three runs to go in front 4-3.  The Catamounts were aided by poor defense from the Hawks, as a passed ball on a strikeout allowed a runner to reach base, and another fielding error made all three runs unearned.

    Trailing 4-3 in the bottom of the 5th, CSM rallied to tie the score 4-4.  Danielle Sturman singled, and Shanita McPherson went in to pinch run, representing the tying run.  Erica Bates sacrificed her to second, and Jessica Donaldson came up with a big RBI single to plate McPherson.

    The Hawks took the lead for good in the bottom of the sixth.  Jamie Buckler reached second on an error by the left fielder, and Jamea Waltersdorff beat out a bunt.  Waltersdorff then stole second base, putting runners on second and third with no outs.  Two outs later, the runners were still there.  Danielle Sturman didn't let the opportunity escape the Hawks, as she singled to drive in both runners.  Erica Bates followed with another single, and Jessica Donaldson doubled to drive in two big insurance runs, as the Hawks took a 8-4 lead. 

    Heather Turner retired Potomac State in order to give the Hawks the win.  Turner earned her second win of the tournament, allowing four runs (one earned), on four hits, striking out seven.

    CSM waited to face the winner of the loser's bracket, Allegany, knowing they only had to win one of two.  The Hawks didn't waste any time, as they jumped in front early, taking a 2-0 lead in the top of the first.  Jamea Waltersdorff walked, and Karlee Adams followed with a single.  Heather Turner plated one run with a single, and advanced to second when Adams was cut down trying to advance to third.  Turner moved to third on a wild pitch, and scored on Danielle Sturman's sacrifice fly. 

    The Hawks scored four more in the top of the 5th to go in front 6-0.  Annah Rice tripled to lead off the inning, and scored on a wild pitch.  Lindsay Boswell singled and Jamie Buckler walked, putting runners on first and second with no outs.  Jamea Waltersdorf singled to plate Boswell, sending Buckler to third.  Karlee Adams drove in Buckler for the second run on a fielder's choice.  Heather Turner's sacrifice fly drove in the third run, and Danielle Sturman's single scored Waltersdorff with the fourth Hawk run of the inning.

    Allegany tried to mount a late rally, cutting the lead to 6-2 in the bottom of the fifth.  Bethany Sindy's triple drove in one run, and Amanda Helmstetter's single plated Sindy.

    Lindsey Deem's singled drove in a run in the sixth to make the score 6-3, but that was as close as the Trojans could get, as Heather Turner kept Allegany in check to win her third game of the tournament.  Turner allowed five hits, while striking out two.

    Heather Turner was named the Tournament's Most Valuable Player.  Not only did she win all three games for the Hawks, she went 6-11, scored 5 runs and had 8 RBI's.

    Jamea Waltersdorff (6-9, 8 runs, 1 RBI, 1 stolen base), Danielle Sturman (7-10, 6 RBI's), and Jessica Donaldson (7-11, 6 RBI's) were selected to the All Tournament Team.

    The Hawks will fly to Ft. Dodge, Iowa to compete in the National Tournament, May 20-22.