Trojan News

GULF SHORES, Ala. - The No. 2 Trevecca Trojan (47-3) softball team won their first pool play game, 9-0 over Midland (Neb.) University (19-32) at the 31st NAIA National Softball Championships. The NAIA Championship is being played at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex.

Trevecca hurler Lauren Baker (25-0) struck out four of the first six batters she faced on her way to a 1-hit shutout of the Midland Warriors. In all Baker pitched five innings for the complete game one-hit shutout. The TranSouth Pitcher of the Year allowed just three hits and struck out six Warriors.

This was Baker's 14th complete game of the year and fourth shutout. Baker's career record is now 52-12 and she this was her 10th career complete-game shutout. It was her 46th career complete game.

Trevecca coach Ben Tyree saw a team win today, "We had a number of people contribute to this win. Kelsey started us off with a double and then Heather hits the three-run home run. Lauren was in control in the circle. Kari was 3-3, had two stolen bases, and scored three times. I could go on, it was a great team win." 

Trevecca's NAIA Championships Home Page

Kerra Grantski (1-11) pitched the complete game for the Warriors, who are making their second consecutive trip to the NAIA Championships. Grantski allowed nine hits and nine runs while only eight were earned. Trojan batters drew one walk and only two were retired on strikes.

Trevecca, who won their 19th consecutive game, scored four runs in the first, one in the third and then another four runs in the fourth. Both teams committed an error.

Heather Shuler provided the punch in the first inning with a three-run home run. Shuler was 2-1 with a run scored and three RBI. Kelsey Lantrip also hit for extra bases with a double. Lantrip was 2-3 with two runs scored and two RBI. Kari Mason added two stolen bases while going 3-3 at the plate with three runs scored and an RBI. Melinda Patterson had a stolen base and was 1-2 at the plate with a run scored.

Shuler has four home runs on the season and 40 RBI. Kari Mason has now stolen 21 bases in 24 attempts and leads the team with 49 runs scored.

Over the last 35 games, Trevecca is 34-1. Trevecca has reached the 50 home run mark for the fourth time in school history and the second year in a row. In 2010 the team hit 71 home runs, their best ever. Trevecca also reached the 50 home run mark in 2007 (67) and 2006 (62).

Trevecca is now 15-11 all-time at the NAIA Championships. Trevecca is now 13-3 in pool play at the NAIA Championships. Trevecca is 2-8 in games played in the final eight-team bracket. Trevecca won a game in bracket play in 2006 and again in 2007.

Trevecca will play Northwood (Texas) University (37-14) on Friday (5/20) at 10 a.m. Northwood lost 1-0 to No. 18 Oregon Tech on Thursday.