Wheaton Tops Cortland, 1-0

The Wheaton (MA) College Lyons defeated the Cortland State Red Dragons 1-0 on Saturday afternoon in the NCAA Division III softball national championship rounds in Salem , VA. With the win, Wheaton improves to 33-11-1 overall on the season and advance to Sunday’s action. Cortland State ’s season comes to an end with a 37-9 overall mark.

The Lyons struck first in the game, scoring the only run of the contest in the bottom of the first. Carmella Ranieri reached first on a fielding error by the Red Dragons. She went to second on a sacrifice bunt and then third on a fielder’s choice. The Red Dragons attempted to get Ranieri out at third on a come-backer to the pitcher, but she slid around the tag and was called safe. She then scored on a sacrifice fly by Sarah Malloy.

Despite trailing 1-0 for most of the game, Cortland State starting pitcher Stephanie Adamshick carried a no-hitter into the fifth inning. Two Wheaton hits broke up the no-hitter, but the Lyons could not turn either into a run.

Wheaton starter Jackie Demling picked up the complete game win, allowing no runs on six hits. She struck out five batters in the contest.