NIC’s year ends with 2 losses

Fri., May 19, 2006

The Spokesman-Review

PLANT CITY, Fla. – North Idaho College dropped its first two games and is headed home after Thursday’s opening round at the National Junior College Athletic Association Division I national championship softball tournament.

The Cardinals (36-19), who earned a bid as the Region 18 champions, dropped their first game in a 1-0 blanking by Odessa (Texas). NIC faced a four-hit, five-strikeout performance from Wrangler (40-21-2) pitcher Kelly Ninemire.

NIC starting pitcher Melodee Mildenberger gave up the lone run in the top of the fifth on a single from Breana Casaus. Mildenberger gave up three hits, while walking three and striking out five in 5 2/3 innings of work.

Lauren Eckermann struck out 17 for top-seeded Temple (Texas) to end the Cardinals’ season in a 1-0, 14-inning contest. The Leopards’ Kami Crane singled in Randi Warren in the bottom of the 14th. Spring Montgomery and Strohm Fouty both had a pair of hits for NIC, and starting pitcher Kelcey Cavan struck out eight.

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NIC’s year ends with 2 losses

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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