May 14, 2010
Final Stats
DES MOINES, Iowa -
Despite strong defensive plays by the Redbirds, the Illinois State softball team fell to Creighton, 2-1, at the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Softball Championship Friday afternoon at Buel Field. The Redbirds recorded five hits in the game.
Creighton jumped ahead to a quick lead after scoring two runs in the top of the first. Lauren Larson hit a single to left center field that drove in Michelle Koch and Kari Sakamoto.
The Redbirds answered back in the bottom of the first when Kara Nelson scored on a single to left field by Abby Olson. Nelson reached base after being walked by Creighton's Tara Oltman and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Niki Stansell.
Illinois State nearly tied the game in the second when Beth Current led off with an infield single and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Brianna Lizen. Jhavon Hamilton recorded an infield single to move Current to third. The senior center fielder tried to score on the play, but was called out by the home plate umpire.
Illinois State left a total of seven runners stranded on base during the game.
Jordan Birch dropped her record to 15-8 on the season. The sophomore hurler struck out four Creighton batters and allowed five hits.
The Redbirds will return to Buel Field at 4:15 p.m., to face Missouri State.
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