Box Score UNION, N.J. (May 13) – On paper, the Waynesburg University softball team had no chance in Friday's NCAA Division III regional round playoff game against a powerful Eastern Connecticut State squad.
 
The fourth-seeded Yellow Jackets were making their first-ever trip to the national championship tournament, while the Warriors, who are ranked third in the country and are the region's top seed, were making their third-straight appearance. An exceptionally young Jacket squad has relied on its grit and pluck through arguably the greatest season in program history, while ECSU boasts a multitude of players featured in the top of the national statistical rankings, including a pitcher with the top ERA in the nation and another that ranks eighth in the country in wins. As a team, the Warriors boast the top ERA in the nation.
 
Offensively, ECSU ranks 15^th in the country in team batting average and 25^th in runs scored per game.
 
Apparently, no one told Waynesburg that it was the heavy underdog.
 
Despite seemingly insurmountable odds, Waynesburg didn't blink when facing off with New England-based juggernaut. Halfway through the contest, the Jackets held a 3-2 edge. Unfortunately, ECSU was able to tie the game in the bottom of the fourth and tallied the game-wining run in the bottom of the sixth to pick up the 4-3 victory.
 
After two scoreless innings, the Warriors (38-4) opened the scoring with a pair of runs, one of which was unearned, in the bottom of the third to take a 2-0 lead. After getting a feel for their highly decorated opponent in the circle, the Jackets (27-10) found their offensive touch in the top of the fourth.
 
Sophomore designated player Ella Brookman (Washington, Pa. / Chartiers-Houston) got things going with a one-out walk. After Waynesburg picked up its second out, sophomore third baseman Sydney Senay (Canonsburg, Pa. / Canon-McMillan) drew a walk of her own. Following a pitching change, sophomore first baseman Emma Bliss (Uniontown, Pa. / Laurel Highlands) singled to load the bases for freshman pitcher Sydney Wilson (Pentress, W.Va. / Clay-Battelle). Wilson helped her own cause in a big way by roping a bases-clearing double down the left field line that put the Orange and Black ahead 3-2 and thinking upset.
 
After ECSU tied the game in the bottom of the fourth, the Jackets again put multiple base runners on in the fifth, but were unable to bring in a go-ahead run. The Warriors, on the other hand, were able to plate the day's final score in the bottom of the sixth. Waynesburg went down in order in the top of the seventh to close out the game.
 
Bliss, Wilson and sophomore shortstop Kayla Gratton (Monroeville, Pa. / Gateway) picked up one hit each for the Jackets. Though Waynesburg was out-hit 8-3 by the victors, it was able to close the offensive gap by patiently drawing five walks off the vaunted ECSU pitching staff, including two by Brookman.
 
Wilson suffered the loss in the circle, despite putting up solid numbers. She allowed three earned runs on eight hits, all singles, and just one walk. She also recorded one strikeout.
 
Though the Jackets came up painfully short of victory on Friday, their season is not over yet. Waynesburg will look to stave off elimination and extend its season tomorrow when it faces Alfred (N.Y.) in an elimination game. AU was defeated 3-1 by the host Kean Cougars. The fourth-seeded Jackets will serve as the home team against the third-seeded Saxons by way of a coin toss. First pitch is scheduled to be thrown at 2:30 p.m.

NOTE: There was a 35-minute rain delay late in the contest.