Rio clobbers Truett-McConnell, wins Leadoff Classic title

Rio Grande Sports Information
     COLUMBUS, Ga. - The University of Rio Grande softball team capped off a big opening weekend by posting a 12-4 mercy rule-shortened win over Truett-McConnell (Ga.) University on Sunday morning and capturing the championship of the National Fastpitch Coaches' Association Leadoff Classic at the South Commons Softball Complex.
     The RedStorm finished the three-day event at 5-0 - as did 23rd-ranked William Carey. In the tiebreaker scenario, both teams finished with the same run differential (max eight runs per game), but Rio allowed nine less runs than WCU.
     Sunday's win over TMU (4-5), which was among the schools receiving votes in the NAIA Preseason Coaches' Top 25 poll, saw Rio Grande spot the Bears an early lead before roaring back with two runs of their own in the bottom of the first and three more second inning markers.
     The RedStorm added another three-run inning in the fourth to open up an 8-2 lead and tacked on three additional runs in the sixth to invoke the eight-run mercy rule.
     Senior Caitlyn Brisker (Oak Hill, OH) went 4-for-5 with a double and three runs scored, while freshman Maddie Engler (Crestline, OH) was 2-for-2 with a triple and two runs batted in.
     Sophomore Kayla Sedgwick (Richwood, OH) also had two hits and two RBI, while junior Peyton Young (Mt. Orab, OH) also drove in two runs and sophomore Gabby Adams (Grove City, OH) had a double and an RBI.
     In the pitcher's circle, senior Sydney Campolo (New Lexington, OH) earned her second win with a complete game effort. She allowed eight hits and struck out four.
     Emma Vessel started and took the loss for Truett-McConnell, surrendering five hits and four runs over 1-2/3 innings.
     Jenna O'Brien led the Bears' offensively, going 3-for-3 with a pair of doubles and three runs scored. Rebecca Graham added two hits - including a double - and a run batted in, while Cassie Boatright drove in two and Camryn Halliday had a double.
     Brisker was Rio Grande's representative on the All-Tournament team.
     The RedStorm is scheduled to return to action on Friday at the Bear Creek Classic in Williamsburg, Ky., where they'll face Campbellsville (Ky.) University at 11 a.m. and host University of the Cumberlands at 4 p.m.
     Campbellsville was the first team outside of the preseason Top 25 poll, while the Patriots are ranked third.