Softball wins Region XIV championship, advances to NJCAA national tournament

Kyle Smith - 5/3/2008 The San Jacinto College softball team hoists the Region XIV championship trophy after defeating Galveston College 8-4 to advance to the national tournament.

BRENHAM, Texas – The San Jacinto College softball team first defeated Blinn College, 5-2, and then Galveston College (GC) 8-4 in the 2008 Region XIV championship game Saturday, May 3, 2008, to advance to the National Junior College Athletic Association national tournament for the first time in school history.

San Jac (37-15) gave another impressive offensive display against GC, driving in four runs in the bottom of the second inning. With a short rally in the top of the sixth, GC drove in two runs but couldn’t get past the solid pitching from SJC’s Kelsey McClain (Pasadena, Texas / Memorial High School). McClain pitched, and won, all four games of the Region XIV tournament for San Jac.

Heading into the seventh inning, San Jac was up 8-4 and needed three outs to clinch the championship. GC quickly got on base, but left their runner stranded at first base after three quick outs. The win marks the third conference title in school history for San Jacinto softball.

SJC opened the day with a 5-2 win over tournament host Blinn College to advance to the championship game.

San Jac now advances to the NJCAA national tournament May 15-17, 2008, in Plant City, Florida.

For more information about the San Jacinto College softball program, visit www.sanjac.edu/athletics.