Hollister and Roznoski help Express Keep National Title Hopes Alive

Kristen Roznoski fields a ball in centerfield. The sophomore broke the school record for runs scored in the game against East Central. Photo courtesy of Sharon Snyder
Kristen Roznoski fields a ball in centerfield. The sophomore broke the school record for runs scored in the game against East Central. Photo courtesy of Sharon Snyder
Posted: May 20, 2011

By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information

Normal, IL---The No. 8-ranked Express softball team (42-4) bounced back from their first loss in the NJCAA Div. II National Tournament with a solid 2-0 win over East Central (Miss.) College.

Buoyed by the pitching duo of Elizabeth Weber (Oak Harbor/Oak Harbor, Ohio) and Jordan Ratliff (Summerfield/Petersburg, Mich.), the Express offense got just enough runs to get the victory.

Kristen Roznoski (Cardinal Stritch/Toledo, Ohio) helped put the Express up 1-0 in the third inning in school record style. The sophomore centerfielder singled on a bunt and then stole second base. Following a groundout, she advanced to third and scored on a wild throw to third base in an attempt to get her out by the first baseman.

That run was the 62nd of the season for Roznoski, which breaks the school record. She is also two hits short of tying the school record for most in a season as she currently sits at 78.

Weber cruised through the first four innings as she only allowed one hit and two walks while striking out five to pick up her sixth win. Ratliff relieved her to begin the fifth and settled in immediately. She retired every batter except for a two out single in the sixth to pick up her second save of the tournament.

In the top of the seventh, with her team up 1-0, Michelle Hollister (Airport/Newport, Mich.) hit a solo home run to left field that added some insurance for the Express.

Roznoski went 3-for-4 with a run and a stolen base, while Matea Rice (Clay/Oregon, Ohio) went 3-for-3. Rice also made a nice snag on a throw for the final out of the game at first base.

Owens is now one of only four teams remaining in the entire tournament. They advance to the loser's bracket semifinals to face No. 9-ranked South Mountain (Ariz.) C.C. (44-27) at 9 a.m. tomorrow morning. The winner will be guaranteed at least third place, and it will be the third top 10 team Owens has played in the tournament.

Should the Express win, they would play the loser of No. 1 LSU-Eunice and No. 2 Kankakee at 11 a.m. for the right to play in the championship.