Lindsey Wilson Softball Shuts Out Brenau to Begin NAIA Opening Round

Softball | Mon, May 17, 2021

Story by: Lindsey Wilson College Athletics

COLUMBIA, Ky. – The top-seeded Lindsey Wilson softball team kicked off the opening round of the NAIA Tournament with a 3-0 victory over No. 4-seed Brenau (Ga.) on Monday at Sparks Park.  

Annabelle Ramirez got the start in the circle for the Blue Raiders (39-9), which moved her into sole possession of third on the program’s career appearances list with 94 throughout her four years.

After allowing a single to the first batter of the game, Ramirez settled in and kept the Golden Tigers (23-16) off the board for the entire game. She induced a plethora of pop-ups and even struck out the side in the second frame. 

As for the offense, Lindsey Wilson found some luck early on at the plate. The Blue Raiders reached base four times in the first four innings with two walks and two hits but were unable to score first. 

The match was still scoreless into the fifth inning when Lindsey Wilson finally cracked the goose egg on the scoreboard. Lexi Isable and Makea-Al Kaluau both launched solo shots to start the inning and boost the Blue Raiders out to a 2-0 lead. The home run was Kaluau’s 40th of her career, which is tied for the second-most all-time in program history.

Lindsey Wilson tacked on an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth. With the bases loaded and two outs, Mikayla Marquez sent a line drive into center field to allow Carissa Summers to score for a 3-0 advantage into the final frame. Ramirez shut the door on Brenau in the seventh and preserved the victory. 

Ramirez (26-5) received the win after throwing a complete game shutout. She allowed only 4 hits and two walks and struck out 10. Her 26 wins are tied for third-most in a single season in program history. Additionally, the complete game gives Ramirez 20 on the year, a mark that is tied for fourth-most in a season in program history.

In the batter’s box, Summers went 2-for-3 with a run, while Marquez recorded a pair of hits as well over four at-bats with an RBI. 

Lindsey Wilson continues play in the opening round of the NAIA Tournament with a contest tomorrow at noon CT at Sparks Park against the winner of today’s game between No. 2-seed Saint Xavier (Ill.) and No. 3-seed Madonna (Mich.).