Bethune-Cookman Falls to Canisius Rally in 10 innings

LOS ANGELES, CALIF. Canisius rallied to tie the score in the top of seventh inning then scored the winning run in the top of the 10th to defeat Bethune-Cookman 3-2 in an NCAA Softball Regional elimination game at UCLA's Easton Stadium.

Down 2-1 in the top of the seventh, Canisius third-baseman Diana Calandra smacked a triple to right field, sending home Nicole Guadagna, who had reached first on a fielder's choice.

Bethune-Cookman had a chance to answer in the bottom of the inning when Brandee Lewis and Ange Williams reached base with one out. But Canisius pitcher Genevieve Garcia struck out Kamilah Johnson and Janelle Hall to retire the side.

Garcia held the Wildcats scoreless until her teammates were able to produce a run in the top of the 10th. Lynn Stoczynski started the inning with a single up the middle off Bethune-Cookman pitcher Miranda Mayse, who was promptly replaced by Jaime Long. Golden Griffin first-baseman Jill Iacono laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance the runner, then with two out, left-fielder Jacqueline Fusco hit an RBI single to score Stoczynski with what would turn out to be the winning run.

"Lynn Stoczynski came up big today," said Canisius Head Coach Mike Rappl. "Early on we had runners on, and we were a key hit away a couple of times. I credit the team for hanging in there."

Garcia struck out two batters in the bottom of the 10th to earn the victory and improve her record to 11-7. Mayse took the loss to end her season at 19-14.

"It was hearthbreaking, but I have to hand it to the team they've gone farther than any Bethune-Cookman team has ever gone in the NCAA tournament," said BCC Head Coach Lauren Watten.

"We came back and played very well and fought very well. The best thing about this is that they gained a lot of experience. We just haven't seen this caliber of softball before, and this just gives them a little more to grow on."

Canisius (34-22) stays alive in the regional and will play on Saturday at 12:30 pm PT. Bethune-Cookman is eliminated and finishes its season with a 39-27 mark.

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