Chadron State's season concludes in RMAC Tournament

LAKEWOOD, Colo. -- May 5, 2023 -- The Chadron State Softball season came to an end this morning when they were defeated 2-0 by Colorado Mesa in the consolation bracket of the RMAC tournament.
 
The loss ends CSC's season with a record of 27-26 overall and 25-19 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play.
 
It is the first wining season by Chadron State softball since 2017 when they finished 32-25 overall and went 3-2 in the conference tournament.
 
Scoring started in today's game in the top of the second inning for the Mavericks.
 
Sarah Jorissen singled to right field, bringing home Brandi Haller to give Mesa a 1-0 lead.
 
A bunt by Haller in the top of the fourth inning caused an errant throw by the Chadron State defense, allowing the Mavericks second run to score.
 
Chadron State had runners on first and second base in the bottom of the fourth and fifth innings but were unable to bring them home.
 
In the bottom of the fifth inning with runners on first and second, Bailey Steinke, a senior from Lakewood, Colorado, hit a grounder between shortstop and second base that looked like it brought Jessi Henchenski home.
 
After the play occurred, the Maverick's coach challenged the play and said Steinke was out of the batter's box. The homeplate umpire agreed and the play had to be redone.
 
This time, the Maverick shortstop made a spectacular play and threw Steinke out at first, keeping the Eagles scoreless.
 
Neither team was able to advance a runner past second for the remainder of the game and the scoring stayed 2-0 in the Mavericks favor.
 
Tori Haug earned the season finale loss for CSC. Haug, a junior from Commerce City, Colorado, allowed only five hits with the two runs, which were both unearned. She struck out one batter and walked two in the complete game.
 
The Eagles finished the game with four hits and two errors, while Mesa had five hits and one error.
 
Colorado Mesa advances to play the winner of Colorado Mines against Regis today at 4:30 p.m.