Red Wolf Softball Team Represents ASU Well In National Tournament
COLUMBUS, Ga. — Arkansas State’s softball team fell short of its goal to win the National Club Softball Association (NCSA) World Series in Columbus, Ga., but picked up a lot of experience and represented ASU well in only the second season of the program.
“We are so proud of these players,” said April Arford, who founded the softball club program in 2011. “They have worked so hard and played hard and the players gave each game all of their hearts.”
The Red Wolves played six games in a two-day period, winning three. The eighth-seeded Arkansas State squad opened play with 16th-seeded Central Florida Friday morning and handed the Knights a 4-1 loss. A 3-2 setback to Ohio State came in the afternoon. A-State took on top-seeded Air Force and defeated the Falcons, 6-4.
One of the most exciting victories for Arkansas State came against Navy with a 10-0 win in five innings.
“Ashley Snow, our catcher, hit a grand slam in that game against Navy and our pitcher Shea Cothren had 11 strikeouts in three innings,” continued Arford. “Everyone gave great effort.”
The Red Wolves suffered a heartbreaking loss to the third seed, University of Antelope Valley from Lancaster, Calif., dropping a 6-5 decision.
“We were able to hold 4-0 for five innings,” said Arford. “Antelope Valley had two hits in the fifth to drive in three runs in the sixth. ASU scored once, making the score 5-3. But, in the bottom of the seventh, Antelope Valley hit a walk off a home run, scoring three runs to win.”
Arkansas State, which finished sixth overall in the tournament, fell to the University of Illinois, 18-1, at the end of the day. Antelope Valley, who were undefeated in the tournament, ended as the World Series champion.
“We had already played two games prior and the weather was much more humid and hot that our girls were used to,” concluded Arford. “With those combinations, we were worn down, but these players really played great.”
