-- Story provided by Trine University Athletics --
ANGOLA, Ind. – The Trine University softball team will play in their second straight, and third in the last five years, NCAA Super Regional after winning the 2023 NCAA Division III Softball Angola, Indiana Regional championship with a 4-1 victory over Wartburg College.
"They reassured me this morning that they were confident and focused, and I think that really shone through during the game," said head coach Don Danklefsen, "They showed off what they can do offensively and defensively all weekend and I'm really proud of them."
The third game of the team's weekend saw a third different starting pitcher, this time with junior Alexis Michon receiving the nod. She started the game strongly recording three outs in the top of the first while allowing only a bloop single to left field.
"Getting the start today got me really pumped, being in the lineup to hit as well really got the adrenaline going," explained Michon after the game.
The Thunder offense on the other hand, put their first two batters on base, albeit with slightly unconventional methods. Cassie Woods was struck by a pitch to lead off the inning and Ellie Trine reached on a fielding error by the second baseman. After the first out of the inning finally went on the board, Debbie Hill brought in a pair of runs with a deep double to right field.
With the 2-0 lead in her back pocket, Michon seemed to settle in even more to her start. She recorded the next five outs with little trouble. The Knights recorded their second hit of the game in the third inning and then didn't get another until the seventh.
Trine added more offense in the fourth. Michon started the two-out rally with a double to left field, before Woods reached on balls. Ellie Trine then came up with the big hit, doubling to right center and bringing in two more runs to make the score 4-0.
In the top of the seventh and down to their last out, Wartburg came up with a homer to left field to threaten the comeback. Michon responded with her fourth strikeout of the game to secure the victory and send the team to the next round.
"The four of us, the seniors, always had the goal of getting back to this point this season," said Trine, "But we're super excited that the team followed through and is playing this well right now."
Following the contest, the All-Tournament team was announced with five members of the Thunder squad representing. Hill was named the tournament's most outstanding player while Michon, Ellie Trine, Amanda Prather and Anna Koeppl were also recognized.
"It's a great feeling being a freshman and getting honored like this," said Hill, "Going up there and doing what I know how to do has really worked this year and it's a great feeling to see that all the practice and reps are paying off."
The Thunder improve to 38-4 following the win. They will faceoff with Concordia University Wisconsin in a best of three series beginning on Friday, May 26. The site of that contest has yet to be announced, stay tuned to www.trinethunder.com for further information on the game schedule.
