Softball Forces Winner Take All Game

Providence, R.I. (5/16/10) - Senior pitcher Cassie Shotwell fired a three-hit shutout to lead third-seeded Kean to a 2-0 win over second-seeded Moravian in game 10 at the Providence Regional of the 2010 NCAA Div. III Softball Tournament.

Moravian (33-13), which was unbeaten in the tournament coming into the game, and Kean (32-16) will meet again tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. with the winner advancing to the National Championships later this week. The Cougars lost their first game of the regional on Friday and have won their last three games.

The game was a pitcher's duel for the first six innings between Shotwell and Moravian junior Elizabeth Python. Neither team was able to solve the pitchers until the final frame.

Shotwell helped her own cause and led off the seventh with a double down the left field line and was lifted for freshman pinch runner Kelsey Hannan. After a flyout, sophomore shortstop Alicia Banz (pictured right) doubled down the left field line for what proved to be the game-winning RBI. Senior designated player Allison Thibault singled up the middle to plate Banz with an insurance run.

Shotwell slammed the door in the bottom of the frame, helped by a diving stop by Banz. She earned her 19th win (19-8) and seventh shutout. Python was hard-luck loser (6-3).