MGCCC softball season ends at NJCAA Tourney

The Lady Bulldogs made a solid run through the NJCAA Tournament.

Lady Bulldogs beat Johnson Co. but lose to Iowa Central

NORMAL, Ill---Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College was eliminated from the NJCAA Division II National Tournament Saturday…but not without the Lady Bulldogs putting up a good fight.

Gulf Coast resumed its rain-delayed game with Johnson County (Kan.) Saturday morning and won 4-3 in nine innings to stave off elimination. However, the Lady Bulldogs dropped a 9-5 decision to Iowa Central that ends their season at 28-12. The trip to the national event is the second in three years for the Lady Bulldog softball team. The 2009 squad featured 19 freshmen and five sophomores.

Megan Colvin (throwing) was named the tournament's defensive MVP.

“We had great leadership all year from our sophomores,” said Lady Bulldogs head coach Kenneth Long. “Our team represented the college with great pride. I told them they’ve shown great character all season.”

In the 4-3 win over Johnson County, Kayla Moran scored the game winning run in the bottom of the ninth to seal the victory. In the circle, pitcher Brandie Westerfield (12-5) got the win going nine innings and with four strikeouts. Holly Lawrence had three hits while Cassie Slaton had two hits and two RBI’S. Megan Colvin also added two hits.

The 9-5 loss to Iowa Central was absorbed by pitcher Tiffany Fuller (2-2). Lawrence and Colvin both had 2 hits while Moran had a hit with two sacrifice bunts and a couple of RBI’S. Lindsey Keyes also belted her fourth home run of the season, a 2 run shot in the top of the fifth.

“This team has overachieved all season,” Long added. Our players worked hard after the fall season and proved that good things happen to teams that work hard and are dedicated.”

Gulf Coast freshman third baseman Megan Colvin was named Defensive MVP of the tournament.