Tritons Knock Off No. 10 Wayne State on Final Day of NFCA Leadoff Classic

Box Score CLEARWATER, Fla. - The Eckerd softball team capped its second weekend of the season with its second straight defeat of a nationally-ranked team.

One day after knocking off No. 24 California (Pa.), the Tritons repeated the feat by dropping No. 10 Wayne State (Mich.) in eight innings, 5-1, on Sunday at the NFCA Leadoff Classic.

Eckerd (6-5) again won in extra innings, scoring four times in the top of the eighth inning before shutting down the Warriors in the bottom of the frame as Nikole Van Gennep stranded the runner placed on second via the international tiebreaker rule.

Van Gennep (4-4) out-dueled reigning NFCA Division II National Player of the Year Lyndsay Butler, scattering eight hits over eight innings while striking out four and allowing only one run which came in the top of the fourth.  She worked out of the jam, however, stranding the go-ahead run at third.  Van Gennep locked down the Warriors for the remainder of the game, allowing only one baserunner in her next four innings of work.

The Tritons took advantage of the international tiebreaker in the top of the eighth, bringing in Kayelee Newstrom from third on an RBI groundout by Crystal Garcia.  Newstrom advanced to third as part of a double-steal with Kaylin Kramer, who reached base on a walk.

Eckerd didn't stop there.  After Rachael Luckett was intentionally walked to load the bases, Carrie Shere delivered a two-run single to center field to make it 4-1.  The Tritons plated their final run when Luckett scored on an error by the Warriors.

Van Gennep took care of the rest, retiring the side in order in the bottom of the eight as Eckerd won its fourth straight game.

The Tritons struck quickly in the top of the first inning to get on the scoreboard.  Garcia struck out but reached on a dropped third strike, then stole second base and came around to score on a single by Luckett.

Butler shut down Eckerd for the next six innings, allowing only one hit before giving up four runs in the eighth.

Van Gennep worked out of a jam in the bottom of the first with runners on the corners and one out by striking out the next two hitters.  She stranded nine Warriors on base in earning the win.

The Tritons return to the field on Wednesday, hosting Flagler (Fla.) College for a doubleheader at 4:00 PM.