NEWPORT NEWS, Va. --Senior Kali Morton and junior Kenzi Lyall combined to throw a shutout on Friday as the No. 11 Pfeiffer Falcons blanked the John Jay Bloodhounds 8-0 to advance in the NCAA Softball Regional in Newport News, Va.
Morton (24-1) started and picked up the win for Pfeiffer (44-3), going three shutout innings without giving up a hit, walking one, and striking out three. Lyall was dealing out of the bullpen as well, going two shutout innings, allowing three hits, walking none and striking out two.
Offensively, the Falcons were led by Lyall, who went 1-for-3 on the day with a home run and four RBI. Junior Emma Chopko compiled a standout effort as well, going 1-for-3 with a home run and an RBI. Freshman Kyler Perdue also helped out for Pfeiffer, putting together one hit in one trip to the plate while adding a double and an RBI.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Falcons took the lead for good in the second, scoring for the first time in the inning.
The Falcons then tacked on runs in the third and fourth innings, with their biggest output coming in the fourth when they scored four times. A grand slam from Lyall off junior Lindsay Ogden cashed in all of those four runs in the frame.
GAME NOTES
» Morton and Lyall combined to throw a three-hit shutout.
» Lyall drove in four runs for Pfeiffer.
» Pfeiffer's highest scoring inning was the fourth, when it pushed four runs across.
» The Falcons had control of the rest of the game after jumping ahead of the Bloodhounds 3-0 in the bottom of the second.
» The Falcons out-hit the Bloodhounds at a 7-3 clip.
» Pfeiffer went 3-for-6 (.500) with runners in scoring position.
» Pfeiffer pitchers faced 18 John Jay hitters in the game, allowing one ground balls and eight fly balls while striking out five.
» Lyall led the Falcons at the plate, going 1-for-3 with a home run and four RBI.
» John Jay was led offensively by freshman Jailene Santiago, who went 1-for-1.
ON DECK
With the win, Pfeiffer will advance to face Ramapo in the second elimination game of the afternoon. Ramapo fell to host Christopher Newport in the first game of the day on Friday by a 7-4 score.