Softball | 5/16/2002 2:05:00 PM

Box Score SALEM, Va. – Grand Valley State defeated Barry 3-1 on Thursday during game one of the 2002 NCAA Division II National Championship in Salem, Virginia.

GVSU advances in the winner's bracket and will face the winner of game two -- either Chico State or North Dakota State on Friday at 4 p.m., while Barry drops down to the loser's bracket and will take on the loser of game two on Friday at 11 a.m.

The Buccaneers got on the board first as KD Smith smacked her third leadoff homer of the season to give the Buccaneers the 1-0 advantage.

"She fell behind 3-2 and just grooved one," Smith said. "She just threw it down the middle and I was able to hit it hard."

However, Grand Valley's Jen Goldschmeding quickly retaliated with her own two-run homer in the top of the second to drive in Rachel Blain who had reached on a double. The Lakers also added an insurance run in the top of the seventh on a sacrifice fly by Bobbi Conner to bring in Erin Ballinger for the 3-1 lead.

Despite several rally attempts, the Buccaneers were unable to recover from the early deficit.

On the mound, Grand Valley pitcher Jennifer Mackson (27-4) earned the pitching win with a complete-game effort. Despite numerous hard-hit balls, she limited the Bucs to just three hits, walking one and striking out three. Following the early home run, Mackson retired the next 23 of 25 batters to secure her 27th win of the season and a new Grand Valley single-season record.

Barry junior pitcher Geralyn Elam (31-5) took the loss after allowing seven hits in a complete game. Only two of her three runs alloweed were earned.She walked two and struck a season-low four. Elam's streak of 53 innings scoreless was halted with Goldschmeding's home run.

"We just have to play it a game at a time now," Barry head coach Shelly Lis said. "This team has faced adversity before and always found a way to pull through."
 

 
 
Grand Valley State 3, Barry 1 (May 16, 2002 at Salem, Va.) 
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Grand Valley State.. 020 000 1 -  3  7  0      (46-10-1) 
Barry............... 100 000 0 -  1  3  1      (43-14) 
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Pitchers: Grand Valley State - J. Mackson. Barry - Elam. 
Win-J. Mackson (27-4)  Loss-Elam (31-5)  T-1:35  A-403 
HR GV - Goldschmedin (2). 
HR BARRY - Smith (6).