MIAMI SHORES, Fla.—The West Florida Argonauts defeated the Barry Buccaneers to advance to the the NCAA Division II National Championship Tournament in Salem, Ore., with a 3-2 win at Buccaneer Field on Sunday afternoon.
The Argonauts (50-10) scored all the runs they would need in a three-run third inning. Carole Ward blooped a single into left field to lead off the inning and Becky Williams followed with a seeing-eye single through the left side. After Paige Trammell moved the runners with a bunt, Natalie Manis delivered the big blow, ripping a double down the left field line off Barry's
Erin Cormier (20-5), scoring both runners. Stephanie York followed one out later with a double to right center to score pinch runner Jackie Matthews and the Argonauts led 3-0.
The Bucs' bats were silenced by West Florida starter Tanya Teague (17-6). The Bucs had lit Teague up for five runs in 2.2 innings on Friday, but she regrouped on Sunday to toss a complete game, limiting Barry to four hits and walk, two runs (one earned) and three strikeouts.
"I just came in a little more confident," Teague said. "I just threw what I had to throw; knowing Jackie Moore would do it if I couldn't."
The Bucs (52-10) finally got on the scoreboard in the seventh inning.
Kristina Socarras singled with one out and went to second on a wild pitch.
Nora Conroy doubled to straight away center field, bringing home Socarras and later scored with the Argonauts threw away a ball on a ground out by
Krista Latessa. Teague got a strike out to end the game and close the threat.
Cormier took the loss, giving up five hits and three earned runs in three innings.
Geralyn Elam threw the final four innings, limiting the Argonauts to one hit, while striking out five. The five strikeouts give her 303 for the season and 709 for her two-year career.
"It was just a great tournament," West Florida head coach Tami Cyr said. "Both teams came in and just played great. We were able to dig a little deeper today and come away with a win."
All-Tournament Team: Pitchers – Jackie Moore (West Florida) and Katrina Fomich (Alabama-Huntsville). Catcher – Stephanie York (West Florida). Infield –
KD Smith (Barry), Melanie Carter (Alabama-Huntsville), Linsey Walker (Valdosta State), Ryann Ellingsworth (Valdosta State). Outfield – Allison Milliman (West Florida),
Kristina Socarras (Barry),
Amanda Moore (Barry). Designated Player – Kristi Braverman (Alabama-Huntsville). At-Large – Natalie Manis (West Florida),
Carrie Roberts (Barry). MVP – Allison Miliman.
West Florida 3, Barry 2 (May 11, 2003 at Miami Shores, Fla.)
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West Florida........ 003 000 0 - 3 6 1 (50-10)
Barry............... 000 000 2 - 2 4 2 (52-10)
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Pitchers: West Florida - T. Teague. Barry - Cormier; Elam(4).
Win-T. Teague(17-6) Loss-Cormier(20-5) T-2:14 A-173
Game notes:
NCAA South Region Championship game
West Florida Advances to the National Tournament in Salem, Ore.
