March 3, 2001
The Cleveland State Vikings tipped of its softball season at the Dayton Tournament this weekend. The Vikes split a pair of games, losing to Wright State, 3-0, but defeating Valparaiso, 3-0 in the second game.
Senior pitcher Kim Evans battled Wright State's Nikki Scott for five innings, but the sixth inning proved costly for the Vikings. Wright's Kim Sycks reached on an error by first baseman Jackie Miller to start the inning. Amber Price sacrificed Amanda Rutherford, who pinch ran for Sycks, to second. Wright State then managed back-to-back doubles by Amy Price and Michelle Demmitt to make the score 2-0. Wright added another run in the seventh inning to beat the Vikings, 3-0.
In the second game the Vikes' bottom order took control, as the 7-9 hitters each had an RBI. Freshman Michelle Beightol also played well, going 2 for 2 with a walk and scoring all three runs. The Vikings scored early on Valpo, as Beightol drew a walk to lead off the second. After Stephanie Taylor grounded out to second for the sacrifice, Jessica Miller singled to bring in Beightol.
In the fourth Beightol got the Vikes started with a single. Taylor reached on an error and Jessica Miller used a 5-4 sacrifice to move the runners. After Lisa Horton struck out, Jen Paul came up with a two-out single to drive in Beightol.
In the sixth inning it was Beightol again getting things going. Beightol grabbed her second hit of the game and Taylor moved her to second base on the sacrifice. Horton then belted a double to drive in Beightol. Jessica Miller, who went 1 for 2 with an RBI and a sacrifice, also threw a complete game for the win. She allowed one earned run on eight hits while striking out two.
