Central Michigan University Athletics
Central Michigan University
Seton Hall
Error-free Chippewas Win San Diego Finale
2/15/2015 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Andy Sneddon, CMUChippewas.com
SAN DIEGO, Calif. - CarolAnn Sexauer had three hits and Chelsea DeLamielleure hit a two-run homer Sunday as the Central Michigan softball team defeated Seton Hall, 7-4, in the Chippewas' final game in the Campbell/Cartier Classic at San Diego State.
The Chippewas finished 2-3 in the event and are 2-7 on the season. They defeated Seton Hall, 1-0, on Saturday. CMU did not commit an error in Sunday's win, marking the time this season the Chippewas did not make an error.
"I think we made a lot of progress as a team," CMU coach Margo Jonker said. "I got to know the players a little better, what they can and can't do, what their strengths are, what they have to work on."
Freshman Hanna Warren (1-4) notched her first collegiate victory on Sunday, starting and going 4 1/3 innings. She allowed three runs on five hits while striking out one.
Sophomore Rachael Knapp picked up the save, her first of the season, as she worked the final 2 2/3 innings. She surrendered a run on four hits, while striking out three and walking one.
Sexauer broke a 2-2 tie when she led off the third inning with a single, worked her way around to third on a sacrifice bunt and a groundout, and scored on a passed ball.
CMU added two runs in the fifth on a Sexauer RBI triple and an RBI fielder's choice bunt off the bat of Trista Cox.
The Chippewas tacked on a run in the sixth, scoring on a throwing error, and one in the seventh on a Cox RBI double.
The Chippewas had committed 17 errors in their previous eight games.
"Our defense was more solid," Jonker said. "We had a couple outstanding defensive plays by Lacy Tolfree in center field (Saturday) that saved two runs and Chelsea DeLamielleure (second base) had some amazing plays today. CarolAnn Sexauer (shortstop) had some too. It's starting to come together a little bit more.
"It's always good to come home after a win. The trip is much more pleasant and the fact that we had some good performances makes a huge difference. The win helps and we're getting better as a team and figuring out our identity, which are big reasons why we take these trips."
Losing pitcher Danielle DeStaso allowed six runs (four earned) on six hits, while walking three and striking out eight.
The Chippewas are scheduled to play in the Lipscomb Purple/Gold Challenge Feb. 27-28 in Nashville, Tenn.
