South Bend, Ind.---The Stratford Brakettes, of Stratford, Conn., moved one step closer to its 28th ASA National Championship after securing a spot in the winner’s bracket championship game by powering past the Carbondale Cougars of Carbondale, Ill., 4-1, early on Monday. Brandice Balschmitter pitched a complete game no-hitter, striking out seven batters en route to the win. Sari Jane Jenkins provided the majority of the run support for the Brakettes with two RBIs and a home run.
The Brakettes will face the California Sliders of Montclair, Calif., after they scored seven runs and only surrendered four against the Southern California Hurricanes of Lake Forest, Calif. Melissa Sanchez of the Sliders hit a grand slam to spark her team to the win and Danielle Kinley added two RBI with a two-run homer.
In loser’s bracket action, the Topton VIP’s of Topton, Pa., continued to battle their way back after dropping their opening game of the tournament. The VIP’s cruised past Impact FPS of Churubusco, Ind., 5-1 to continue their arduous journey through the loser’s bracket. Stephanie Delinger knocked in three runs to lead all players in scoring. They must now face the Hurricanes in the loser’s bracket semi-finals.
The Indiana Slammers of Hobart, Ind., are facing a similar uphill battle but continue to win after an initial defeat. The Slammers withstood a laborious challenge from The New York Freedom of Babylon, N.Y., but prevailed in the end, winning 8-7. Jenny Jacobs of the Slammers hit a two-run homer to help her team end up on top. The Slammers will face off with the Cougars for a spot in the loser’s bracket semi-finals.
Rain continues to interrupt play at the Belleville Softball Complex but tournament officials hope to get things back on track on Tuesday. To follow all the action from the ASA Women's Major Fast Pitch National Championship visit the official National Championship website – 2007 ASA Women’s Major Fast Pitch National Championship.
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