Alice Lloyd Softball suffers first loss in Mideast Regional Tournament; drop 5-4 thriller to Kentucky Christian University in 11 innings

Pippa Passes, KY: The top seeded Alice Lloyd Lady Eagles (36-15) softball squad returned to the diamond in the double-elimination NCCAA Mideast Regional Tournament on May 5th, facing the #2 seeded Kentucky Christian University Knights (27-25). KCU had suffered their one-loss at the hands of the Lady Eagles on Monday and would need a win to force a third matchup. This contest would require 11 innings, but Kentucky Christian would turn the tables and take the nail-biting victory. This now sets up a winner-take-all-match scheduled for Thursday at 5:00 PM.

 May 5th

(Eleven Innings)

Alice Lloyd-4: KCU-5

The Knights would break the ice in the third, using a walk and single to move on top, 1-0. In the fourth, Jordan Rakes (LF), Mackinzie Newport (CF) Arin Rife (P), Brooke Baker (SS), and Whitney Lippert (C ) all singled. This enabled the Caney Creekers to jump ahead 3-1.

In the bottom of the fifth, KCU answered, as they used a single, double, and error from the hosts to earn a pair of runs. This knotted the contest at 3-3.

In the sixth inning, each squad would leave a runner stranded on base, while in the seventh, ALC would leave a pair, as the red and black went down in order. This sent the match to extra-innings.

In the eighth, the hometown squad loaded the bases with one away and looked poised to break through. Unfortunately, the next two batters struck out to end the threat.

Kentucky Christian placed a runner on third in the tenth, but a ground-ball produced the third out.

The tension was intense as the game entered the eleventh inning. Finally, Alice Lloyd saw Lippert, and Abby Maynard (RF) both singled. Then, Newport delivered a clutch single of her own to drive in a run. This gave the Pippa Passes posse a 4-3 advantage, and they would have to hold it.

However, the Knights answered as they led off with a single, The next batter then lined a shot to center that dropped out of the glove of a diving Lady Eagle attempting a great play. This tied the game, 4-4. Next, after a walk and single loaded the bases, a grounder up the middle ended the nail-biter (5-4) and ensured there would be one more game required to determine the regional champion.

At the plate, Rife, Baker and Lippert all delivered 3 hits while Baker, Lippert, Chloe Taylor (2B), and Newport each provided 1 RBI.

On the mound, Rife started and went 4.1 innings. She allowed 5 hits and 3 earned runs while walking 4 and striking out 4.

She was relieved by Kinna Justice who suffered the loss despite a solid effort. She gave up 10 hits, 2 earned runs, and 2 walks, while whiffing 1.

Both teams registered 15 hits and the Lady Eagles committed the games lone error.

The two clubs now have one loss each, so a match to determine the winner will be played. It is tentatively scheduled for Thursday at 5:00pm, weather permitting.

The victor will receive the regions automatic bid to the NCCAA Softball World Series, scheduled for May 18-20 in Grapevine, Texas.