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ARCATA — Humboldt State edged Western Oregon, 1-0, in a well-played game at the NCAA DIvision II West Region Softball Championships on Saturday, forcing a rematch between the same two teams at 11 a.m. Sunday that will determine the champion.
HSU and WOU showcased two of the region's top pitchers, also playing outstanding defense in their support in the 14th game of a tournament that has seen 32 fielding errors. Humboldt State's Lizzy Prescott earned the win, striking out nine, walking two and allowing only four hits, while Western Oregon's Katie Fleer gave up only seven hits, striking out four and walking none.
The game's only run came in the bottom of the first inning when Nikki Ketteringham and Natalie Galletly singled before Francesca West was hit by a pitch to load the bases with two outs. Ashley Oltjenbruns followed with a soft liner just out of reach of the shortstop that scored Ketteringham, but Galletly was thrown out at the plate trying for the second run.
Western Oregon's best chance to score came in the third inning when Jamie Becker and Tyler Sutherland both reached on singles. After they moved up on a sacrifice, Prescott got Jessica Hallmark to fly out to left field to get out of the inning.
West came up with two defensive gems at third base, both times snaring line drives, including the second out in the final inning. Prescott struck out pinch hitter Tierra Cuba for the final out of the game.
The winner of Sunday's championship game will be one of eight schools advancing to the national championship, scheduled to begin Wednesday in Houston, Texas.
Humboldt State 1, Western Oregon 0 (May 10, 2008 at Arcata, Calif.)
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Western Oregon...... 000 000 0 - 0 4 0 (52-18)
Humboldt State...... 100 000 X - 1 7 1 (33-17)
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Pitchers: Western Oregon - Fleer,Katie. Humboldt State - PRESCOTT,Lizzy.
Win-PRESCOTT,Lizzy(43-11) Loss-Fleer,Katie(21-6) T-1:40 A-284
Weather: Sunny
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