2009 Highlights

Panthers Win Opener at Nationals

Rochester, Minn.—The Tompkins Cortland Community College softball team opened play at the NJCAA Division III National Championship Tournament Thursday with a 6-2 win over Westmoreland County Community College. The eight-team, double-elimination tournament is being held in Rochester, Minnesota.
 
The Panthers, making the program's first ever appearance in the national tournament, won the opener with a big inning midway through the game. After falling behind 1-0 in the third, TC3, playing as the home team, plated six runs in the bottom of the fourth. Danielle O'Rourke (Union-Endicott H.S./Endicott) provided the big blow, pounding a three-run homer as part of her 3-for-4 afternoon. Megan Beschler (Thomas A. Edison H.S./Elmira Heights) earned the win in the circle, allowing just four hits while striking out seven. She also helped herself at the plate, going 2-for-2. Lauren Dykeman (Union-Endicott H.S./Endicott) added a pair of hits as part of TC3's nine-hit attack.
 
TC3 advances to take on Brookdale Community College (N.J.) in second round play later Thursday.
 
With the win, TC3 is now 32-11 overall. Westmoreland falls to 22-8.

Megan Kraeger scores the game winner.

Joelle Herrick drives in the winning run against Monroe at nationals.

Ashley Greenough readies for a throw.
Darl Zehr Photography