Softball | 3/28/2010 12:26:05 PM

Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 | Box Score 3 [Game 1 box score] [Game 2 box score] [Game 3 box score]

MONMOUTH, Ore. - The Western Oregon softball team reached the finals of the Silver Bracket at the Mizuno Tournament of Champions, by winning its first two games Sunday. However, they lost the championship 4-3 to Grand Canyon to take second place.

The Wolves went 4-4 in the tournament and now stand at 17-12 on the season. Amanda Fleer also earned all-tournament honors for her performance over the eight games.

Game 1
Western Oregon put seven runs on the board in the second inning and went on to defeat San Francisco State 8-0, to advance to the second round of the Silver Bracket at the Mizuno Tournament of Champions, Sunday (Mar. 28).

The Wolves scored their seven runs in the second without the benefit of an extra base hit. They had two bases loaded walks and three run scoring singles, including two-run scoring hits by Jessica Hallmark and Amanda Fleer.

Hallmark went 3-for-3 in the game with two runs scored and two RBI. Andrea Bailey and Fleer both collected two hits in three at-bats. Seven different runners scored for WOU in the game.

Jessica Wood (3-3) picked up her second complete game win of the tournament. She allowed only two hits and no runs while striking out five to record her first shutout of the season.

Game 2
The Western Oregon University softball team advanced to finals of the Silver Bracket in the Mizuno Tournament with a 11-3 win over Great Northwest Athletic Conference rival Saint Martin's, Sunday (Mar. 28).

Kendra George hit a three-run homer and reached base three times including scoring two runs to lead the Wolves' offensive attack, which had 10 different student-athletes cross the plate. Tierra-Lyn Cuba went 3-for-4 with two runs batted in. Tyler Sutherland was 2-for-4 out of her leadoff spot with a run scored, an RBI and a stolen base.

Freshmen pitcher Brittany Reeves (3-2) picked up the win, as she went the first four innings allowing six hits and three runs (one earned) while striking out three. She gave way to fellow freshman Kelsey White in the fifth inning after the first three batters of the frame singled. White diffused the bases loaded threat allowing just one run. She went the rest of the way to earn the save, her second of the season.

Saint Martin's had four errors in the game, which led to seven unearned runs for WOU.

This was the third win in the tournament for the Wolves via the eight-run rule.

Game 3
The Wolves' hope of the title in the Silver Bracket of the Mizuno Tournament of Championships was cut short, as they fell to Grand Canyon 4-3 in the championship game.

Bailey Rueck had three of the Wolves' six hits, including a two-run homer. Andrea Bailey scored two runs and reached base in three of her four plate appearances.

Grand Canyon scored three runs in the top of the third and never gave up the lead. Ivy Campas pitched a complete game for the win.

Jessie Lessard (3-6) was charged with the loss despite not allowing an earned run. She gave up three hits and three unearned runs in her two innings of work. Jessica Wood then came in for the final 4.1 innings and allowed just one run.