Salisbury def. Alma, 3-2 (10 innings)

The Sea Gulls of Salisbury University (MD) scored the game-winning run in the bottom of the 10th inning to defeat the Scots of Alma College (MI), 3-2, in the second game of the NCAA Division III Softball Championship.

The first four runs of the game were scored over the opening two innings.  In the bottom of the first, Salisbury (39-6) went ahead 2-0, as sophomore right fielder Erin Ruest and junior left fielder Kareem Falcon both drove in runs on singles, and freshman center fielder Serena Fleming also singled.

Alma (39-8) would come back in the top of the second with two runs.  The Scots were led in that inning by sophomore designated player Laura Bell, who hit a two-run home run, which also scored senior third baseman Laura Rochon.

Neither team could score for seven straight innings.  Then, in the bottom of the 10th, Salisbury’s Fleming and senior first baseman Rosie Aley both hit singles to start off the inning.  A single by Ruest brought Fleming home for the game-winning run.

Offensively, Salisbury was led by Fleming, who batted 2-for-4 and scored twice.  Ruest was 2-for-5 with two RBIs and scored one run.  Freshman second baseman Nichole Fuqua also went 2-for-5.

For Alma, Bell finished 2-for-4 with her home run and two RBIs.

Salisbury sophomore pitcher Lacey Lister earned the complete-game victory, striking out 11 batters and giving up just five hits and three walks.

Alma starting junior pitcher Leigh Ann LaFave recorded eight strikeouts.