USCB Claims 2019 Sun Conference Crown with 17-3 Win over Thomas
Paul Dodson
CLERMONT, Fla. (May, 4, 2019) – The USCB Sand Sharks (40-11) claimed the 2019 Sun Conference Softball Tournament crown with a 17-3 (5) win over the Thomas Night Hawks (25-22) in the championship game at the Legends Way Ballfields on Saturday.
The Sand Sharks scored 17 runs on 18 hits for the team’s first conference tournament title since 2015. Taylor Boykin and Shania Dominique led USCB with three hits apiece. Boykin went 3-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored. Dominique batted 3-for-5 with three RBI and a run scored. Natassja Hatcher scored a game-high four runs while going 1-for-3 from the dish with two RBI.
USCB got things started in the first, putting up a four spot in the top of the frame. Thomas responded with RBIs from Gaby Mora (1-for-3), Corryne Diaz (0-for-1), and Addyson Mauldin (1-for-2) to cut the Sand Shark lead to 4-3.
The Sand Sharks tacked on six in the third, two in the fourth and five in the fifth to extend their lead to 17-3.
Heading into the bottom of the fifth, the game was suspended due to lighting and rain in the area. It resumed 3:31 later with USCB getting the final three outs to end the contest in five innings, 17-3.
Sloan Ducey (13-4) picked up the win, allowing three runs while scattering six hits in four and two-thirds innings of action. The USCB hurler struck out one batter for her third win of the tournament.
Sheala Brown (8-9) was saddled with the loss, allowing nine runs (seven earned) on eight hits.
With the win, USCB earns the Sun Conference automatic bid in the 2019 NAIA Softball National Championships, beginning May 13.
2019 Sun Conference Softball All-Tournament Team
Troiana Test, Keiser
Sara Bruno, Warner
Ashton Owen, Warner
Victoria Atkinson, Webber International
Emma Maitland, Webber International
Barbara Woll, Thomas
Holly Campbell, Thomas
Rachel Frankhouser, USCB
Taylor Boykin, USCB
Sloan Ducey, USCB