ST. GEORGE, Utah – Blinn College softball didn't get a lot of hits but it was able to manufacture enough runs to open the 2015 NJCAA Division I National Softball Tournament with a 4-1 victory over Georgia Perimeter College Wednesday afternoon in St. George, Utah.
"We get our girls on base and we like to put some pressure on the defense," said Blinn head coach Rick Church. "Mariah Gibson had good control of her pitches today."
The Buccaneers were only able to muster six hits but smart base running and a couple Georgia Perimeter errors helped to get enough run support for Gibson on the rubber. Gibson only gave up three hits and an unearned run to get the victory while striking out four.
"I had a weird feeling and mood before the game but was able to snap out of it before the first pitch and have a good game," Gibson said.
Kayla Lahrmann led Blinn with single and a double while Delilah Pacheco created problems on the base paths by reaching base twice and scoring both times with the help of three stolen bases.
The win improves the Blinn overall record to 44-14 as the Buccaneers will now move on to the second round to face Chattanooga State Community College Thursday, May 14 at 6 p.m. in St. George.
Blinn got the offense started early in the first when Pacheco reached on an error and then made a heads-up play of racing for second when she saw the Georgia Perimeter infield not paying attention to the bag. Pacheco then stole third and then was able to score on a ground out by Courtney White for a 1-0 lead after one.
"On my base running I like to see who is paying attention and who is not and I was able to take advantage of that in the first inning," Pacheco said.
Georgia Perimeter was able to tie the game in the top of the second at 1-1 but that would be the final run given up by Gibson and the Blinn defense.
The Buccaneers went right back after their lead in the third when Cheyenne Trader and Lahrmann led off the inning with back to back singles. Jazzmin Fritz came in to pinch run for Trader and scored on a passed ball and then Lahrmann later scored on a wild pitch for a 3-1 lead after three.
Blinn put the finishing touches on the offense in the fifth when Pacheco singled and then put pressure on Georgia Perimeter with her base running. Pacheco stole second and third and in the process of stealing third a Georgia Perimeter error allowed Pacheco to score for a 4-1 lead that would hold up until the final out.
Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 32 NJCAA national championships since 1987. For more information, visit www.buccaneersports.com.
About Blinn College
Founded in 1883, Blinn is a comprehensive community college committed to educational excellence and to individual and community enhancement. With an enrollment of 19,317 students, Blinn ranks among the nation's leaders in transferring students to leading four-year universities and has received national recognition for affordable educational excellence.
As part of its commitment to student success, Blinn is implementing a Quality Enhancement Plan titled "Destination Success: First-Year Focus," which utilizes learning communities to support first-year college students.
For enrollment information and to learn about financial aid opportunities, visit: www.blinn.edu.
