Indianapolis ends Dixie State's run with 3-0 victory

Dixie State season ends in tough loss vs. Indianapolis

SALEM, VA - Indianapolis (42-12) eliminated Dixie State (42-13) with a 3-0 victory in the NCAA Division II Softball Championship at the James I. Moyer Sports Complex in Salem, VA.

In the first elimination contest of the tournament, Indianapolis wasted little time in jumping out to a quick lead over Dixie State.

Both teams were scoreless in their first at bat before the Indianapolis bats came alive in the top of the second.

Indianapolis, who was held to just one hit in their opening contest, used three hits to take a 2-0 lead.

After the first two batters of the inning were retired, Carmen Martinez walked. Chrissy Stephens followed with a single to right. Lindsey Gustine doubled to right center to score both Martinez and Stephens and put Indianapolis up 2-0. Jamie Keltz then singled to put runners at first and third and Maggie Swanson walked to load the bases.

Dixie State pitcher Lauren Folta then got her counterpart Megan Russell to fly out to end the inning.

Indianapolis extended its lead to 3-0 in the top of the third when Jessica Breeden homered with two outs over the right center field fence.

Dixie State got runners to second base in each of the fifth and sixth innings but failed to drive in either inning. Katlyn Peters singled in the fifth and was forced out when Bailie Hicken hit into a fielder's chocie. Hicken then stole second before a ground out ended the fifth.

Ashley McFarland doubled with one out in the sixth, but Indianapolis pitcher Megan Russell got a strikeout and a ground out to end the threat.

Russell earned her 20th victory of the season. She also recorded her ninth shutout of the season. Russell went all 7 innings, giving up 6 hits. She struck out 7 and did not walk a batter.

Lauren Folta falls to 15-6 on the season. She gave up 3 runs on 5 hits in three innings of work.

Indianapolis advances to meet Lock Haven in game 9 of the tournament on Saturday at 4 PM.