Boxscore
DECATUR, Ala. - Ashley Hunter's first inning grand slam propelled Saint Xavier University to a 5-1 victory over Savannah College of Art and Design in pool-play action at the NAIA Softball National Championship at the Wilson Morgan Softball Complex Sunday (May 17) afternoon.
Saint Xavier, which is ranked No. 24 in the NAIA, improved to 2-1 in Pool G and to 32-19 overall while the Bees fell to 0-3 and 22-18. The contest was the final game of the season for both teams as St. Gregory's University advanced out of the pool with a perfect 3-0 record and advances to the double-elimination portion of the tournament that starts Monday (May 18).
The Cougars started the first inning with back-to-back singles and a walk against SCAD starter
Lisa Williams (13-12) before shortstop Ashley Hunter sent the first pitch over the left field fence to give Saint Xavier a 4-0 lead.
The Bees got a run back in the top of the fourth.
Courtney Mienkina started the rally with a double to left-center field and later scored on
Jessaca Spear's single to left. Saint Xavier got that run back in the sixth on a homer to left.
Amie Brown (10-7) pitched five innings for the Cougars to earn the win while Jayln Shearer pitched two scoreless innings of relief for her first save.