Dixie State beats HPU 5-0, advances to sub-region finale

Dixie State advances to region finale

Box Score

ST. GEORGE, UT - Ashley McFarland hit a two-run home run in the first inning to spark Dixie State to a 5-0 victory over Hawaii Pacific in the second round of the NCAA Division II West Regional on Saturday.

Lauren Folta and Brittnie Whipple combined to scatter seven hits for the Red Storm (38-10). Hawaii Pacific (41-11) dropped into the consolation bracket to face UC San Diego.

McFarland's home run followed a Shantae Hunter single. The Red Storm added a third run in the inning when Haley Schumers doubled and Kelsey Mendenhall followed with a single.

Folta pitched out of several of jams, including bases-loaded situations in the first and second innings. Whipple, who didn't allow a hit in her two innings of relief, pitched out of a bases-loaded jam in the sixth inning.

The Red Storm had 15 hits with Schumers leading the way with three. Hunter, McFarland, Mendenhall and Breanna Egge each had two.

Dixie State added two insurance runs in the seventh inning after McFarland started things with a single and Schumers' smacked a double. Mendenhall added another single to continue the inning.

Dixie State will play the winner of the consolation bracket at noon on Sunday with a berth in the Super-Regional on the line.