Rock Valley sweeps through DIII Softball field for first championship
May 18, 2014
ROCHESTER, Minn. – Winning four straight games in three days, Rock Valley (Ill.) claimed their first NJCAA DIII Softball national championship. The run culminated Saturday with a 2-1 victory over Herkimer County (N.Y.) in the title game.
Pitcher Amanda Blankenship pitched a gem for the Golden Eagles, holding Herkimer County to just one run on four hits. The sophomore struck out the first five batters she faced – four called out on strikes – and totaled nine in the seven-inning effort. Blankenship was named the tournament’s MVP and Most Outstanding Pitcher after giving up just one earned run in 22 2/3 innings of work.
Rock Valley capped off their national championship season with a 42-9 record. Golden Eagles freshmen infielders Kaytee Keefe and Haley Love were joined by sophomore infielder Danielle Walker and freshman Kaitlyn Appleman on the all-tournament team.
Photos courtesy of Rochester Amateur Sports Commission
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