Concordia wins NAIA crown in softball

COLUMBUS, Ga. — Concordia University captured the school’s first NAIA softball national championship on Thursday, defeating Spring Hill of Alabama, 8-3, in the title game.

Freshman third baseman Hannah Howell was two for two with three runs batted in and junior shortstop Jenna Jorgenson was two for four with three RBIs for the winners, who scored five in the fourth inning to break open a 2-2 deadlock.

Senior Katie Cotta allowed three hits and one earned run in a complete-game effort to record the victory. She finished the season 27-2 to help Concordia wind up 52-3.

The Golden State Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Year was 47-3 in two seasons at Concordia after transferring from San Joaquin Delta Community College in Stockton.

Junior right fielder Kaitrin Debaun was two for three with an RBI and two runs scored for the Eagles, for whom senior second baseman Shainna Groom also drove in a run while contributing to the eight-hit attack.

Concordia, guided by fifth-year coach Crystal Rosenthal, is 106-7 the last two seasons. The Eagles won their final 19 games of 2013 and won 48 of their last 49. Their last loss was March 30 to Simpson University.

Game Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tOm8b0S4I4

— From staff reports