No. 3 Indians defeats No. 10 East Central to advance to tournament champioship

FULTON, Miss. – After falling in the MACJC Tournament semi-final game to No. 4 Jones, the No. 3 Indians rebounded with an 11-3 run-rule victory over No. 10 East Central to punch their ticket to the program's first ever championship game.

The Indians (41-8) didn't waste any time getting on the board as they scored three runs in the top of the first as Macey Cox(Troy, Tenn.) hit a two run single and McKenzie Piper (Pell City, Ala) scored as Bailie Springfield(Mantee) reached on an error.

East Central answered with a run of their own in the bottom of the frame, but the Indians added to their lead in the second when two runs scored as Piper reached on an error. 

The Indians lead would quickly be cut to 5-3 as East Central took advantage of an Indian error and two walks to score a pair of run.

After scoring a run in the third, the Indians plated five runs in the fourth highlighted by RBI hits by Hannah Williams(Philadelphia), Madison Carnes(Ecru) and Springfield. Joanna Vasquez(Southaven) reached on an error to added another run and Piper drove in a run on a sacrifice bunt. 

East Central was unable to overcome the five run frame, giving the Indians the 11-3 victory in five innings and eliminating the Warriors for the tournament. However, both teams advanced to the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament.

In the circle, Springfield picked up her 20th win of the season to become the program's winningest pitcher in a season.

The win not only puts the Indians in the MACJC Tournament Championship on Monday, but is clinches home field for the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament that will begin Thursday in Fulton.

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