CMS Softball Falls to Cal Lutheran in SCIAC Elimination Game

REDLANDS, Calif. - Kaili Aqui went 3-for-3 with two RBI, but Cal Lutheran used a six-run fifth inning to eliminate Claremont-Mudd-Scripps 7-3 in the SCIAC Postseason Tournament at the Redlands Field of Dreams.

The loss drops CMS to 24-14, after the Athenas finished the regular season in a three-way tie for the regular season conference title. 

Aqui got CMS on the board with an RBI single in the second inning to score Madison Gonzalez. After the Regals tied it in the bottom of the third, Aqui doubled to left-center to plate Sophia Nguyen and put the Athenas back ahead 2-1. 

Trailing 7-2 in the seventh, CMS loaded the bases with nobody out to put some pressure on Cal Lutheran. Aqui led off with a single, and then went to third on a double from Destiny Garcia, before Giselle Lai walked to load the bases. Rachel Sapirstein was able to pick up an RBI on a fielder's choice, but Ashlyn Finchum, the SCIAC Pitcher of the Year, was able to get out of the jam with no further damage to preserve the win. 

CMS managed 11 hits in the defeat, with Gonzalez (2-for-4) joining Aqui in earning a multi-hit game.

The Athenas finished with their second straight regular season with a share of the SCIAC title, and will await the NCAA Division III selection show on Monday to see if their season will continue.