EVANSVILLE, Ind. - The No. 22 SVSU Softball team faced Grand Valley State University in a Friday (May 12) evening elimination game after the Cardinals fell earlier in the day to Southern Indiana. After taking an early lead in the contest, No. 3 regional seeded SVSU powered its way to an 8-0 mercy rule victory over the No. 7 Lakers.
The win secured a meeting with Southern Indiana in a rematch Saturday for the Midwest Regional #2 Finals, with the Cardinals needing a pair of victories to secure the title.
The Cardinal offense got going early in the game, as Danielle Hamilton started with a single to left field for the first base runner. She was brought home by Meredith Rousse, who knocked a two-run home run to left field for the 2-0 lead. Lauren Bachert later scored Courtney Reeves on a single to left field, pushing the lead to 3-0.
Saginaw Valley tacked-on another two runs in the top of the 2nd, all starting when Madison Burgess reached on an error and stole second. She moved to third on a groundout and Aubree Mouthaan would walk and steal second as well. Reeves would get an infield single that plated Burgess and Mouthaan would come around on a throwing error by the shortstop, putting the score at 5-0.
Three more runs came SVSU's way in the top of the 4th, with Rousse striking again with a solo shot to left field, making the score 6-0. Mouthaan then singled to center field and Reeves followed with a towering home run to center field, pushing it out to 8-0 in SV's favor.
It was all the Cardinals would need, as starting pitcher Samantha Willman allowed no hits throughout the contest, securing the 8-0 victory with her first career no-hitter.
Inside the Boxscore
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Rousse had a huge game, notching her first career multi-home run game in the victory. She was 2-for-3 with the two long balls, knocking-in three runs. She now has eight homers on the season.
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Reeves continues to add to her single season record for home runs, collecting her 14th during the game with three RBI as well. She added a single in the win.
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Bachert had an RBI single in the game.
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Hamilton had a hit and scored one run.
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Mouthaan had a single and scored a pair of runs.
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Burgess stole a base and scored for SVSU.
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Samantha Willman (21-7) was efficient in her victory on the mound. She tossed the complete 5.0 innings for the no-hitter. Willman struck-out one batter and walked three against the Lakers.
Up Next...
Saginaw Valley (37-15) will return to action at the USI Softball Field on Saturday against the host and No. 9 nationally-ranked USI Screaming Eagles. The Cardinals need two victories over USI to claim the Midwest Regional #2 championship. First pitch for the opening game is set for 1:00 p.m. EDT.
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