FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PANTHERS EDGE TOP-RANKED ITHACA IN LEADOFF CLASSIC ACTION

PANAMA CITY, Fla. –  The Chapman University softball team opened pool play at the NFCA Leadoff Classic with two one-run victories, including a 1-0 win over No. 1-ranked Ithaca College on Friday at Frank Brown Park. The Panthers also defeated Alma College (Mich.) 2-1 to begin the day and appear headed for the Gold (Championship) Bracket once pool play ends on Saturday.

Game 1: Chapman 2, Alma 1
The last two times these teams met (2000 and 2004) the Panthers knocked the Scots out of the World Series. Though there was less on the line, the results were the same: a close call Chapman victory. Sophomore OF Kathleen Ramseyer drove in the game-winning run in the top of the seventh inning with an RBI single – Chapman’s only hit of the game – to make a winner out of junior RHP Jennifer Winford, who threw a four-hitter and struck out six batters. The Panthers had scored an unearned run in the second inning thanks to a hit batter, error and two walks.

Game 2: Chapman 1, Ithaca 0
The Panthers were again out-hit (6-5), but capitalized on an Ithaca miscue to score the only run of the game. Freshman IF Melanie Villaroel led off the fifth inning with a double, and then scored on an error for Chapman. Senior RHP Maggie Wilder (6-2) made the run stand up with a six-hit complete game shutout and eight strikeouts. Ithaca was ranked No. 1 in Division III on Wednesday by the NFCA, while Chapman climbed from No. 13 to No. 8 in the most recent poll.

Chapman will face Maryville (Mo.) on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. (cst) to close pool play. A second game on Saturday and two more on Sunday will be determined by which bracket the Panthers are placed.

The wins snapped the Panthers’ brief two-game losing streak. Chapman (12-4) had dropped a 5-3 decision to University of Texas, Dallas on Monday as part of its own Sun West Tournament in Orange.

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Game stats available online:
http://www1.chapman.edu/athletics/06-07/softball/cu-alma.htm
http://www1.chapman.edu/athletics/06-07/softball/ic-cu.htm