VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. --- The No. 1-ranked Virginia Wesleyan College softball team put two runners on base in the final inning with one out, but could not push across the tying run, falling 2-1 to No. 2 Salisbury University in the Norfolk, Virginia Regional of the NCAA Division III Softball Tournament.
Salisbury got on the board first with a pair of runs in the second inning. After the first two Sea Gulls were retired, Brooke Mizelle singled up the middle in front of a Kristen Yanarella walk. Caitlin Lake laced a ball to third base which was deflected away to load the bags on the infield single. LeAnne Collins took advantage of the bases loaded opportunity, doubling to left-center to score Mizelle and Yanarella.
The Marlins cut the deficit to one in the third inning when Kiersten Richardson, following a single, stole second with two outs. Courtney Bogan singled to left-center, allowing the speedy Richardson to race home for Virginia Wesleyan's first run of the regional.
Brittingham faced the minimum number of Marlins over the next three innings, setting up the nervous moments in the seventh frame.
Following a first out, Kayla Dost walked on four straight pitches. Teresa Cardamone pinch-hit for Virginia Wesleyan, working a six-pitch walk to move the tying run into scoring position. Annah Brittingham induced a pop-up to third for the second out before a flyball in left-field foul territory was snagged at the wall by a sliding Katie Sebbane.
Brittingham (18-3) allowed just two hits and two walks in seven innings while striking out seven. Collins finished with two hits and two RBI for Salisbury (35-5).
Bogan and Richardson had a hit each for the Marlins. Mary Shipp (19-5) struck out three while allowing six hits and two walks in seven innings.
The Marlins conclude the season 38-7 with a 17-1 mark in Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) action. Virginia Wesleyan earned its first No. 1 ranking this season.
--- This release is courtesy of the Virginia Wesleyan College sports information department. ---
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