By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information

Battle Creek, MI---Kalamazoo Valley Community College scored five runs in the first inning en route to an 8-1 win over the No. 17 Express softball team in the Region XII tournament finals today.

The Express had struck first with an RBI single from Emily Rockman in the first. Melanie Iacoangeli opened the game with a walk before being sacrificed to second by Olivia Reeder. One out later, Iacoangeli scored the team's final run of the season.

Iacoangeli finished 2-for-3 with a run and a walk, while Rockman finished 1-for-3 with an RBI. Taylor Miller and Tyniesha Wilson picked up the other two Express hits.

Meanwhile, KVCC's offense produced a single, two walks, another single and a 3-run home run with one out in the first to take a 5-1 lead.

In the third, the Express had two runners on, but Rockman grounded out to end the inning.

KVCC added three runs in the fourth with an RBI single, a sacrifice fly and an RBI groundout.

The Express also had another scoring chance in the sixth when Rockman reached on an error and Molly Gast walked. Mareshah Scott fouled out to end the threat, though.

Katilyn Turski, who had pitched every inning for the Express in the tournament prior to today, started and went the first four innings. She finished her season at 20-10 after allowing nine hits, eight runs and four walks while striking out one.

April DeCant pitched the final two innings and allowed two hits while facing nine batters.

Morgan Hill picked up the win for KVCC. She struck out six while allowing five hits, one run and two walks in a complete game.

Notes

The Express finishes the season at 24-17. They reached the Region XII District G tournament finals for the fourth time in five seasons this year.

Turski, Rockman and Reeder were named to the all-tournament team.

The game featured a two hour and five minute rain delay in the second inning.