The defending champions were on the ropes early, but theyre still alive.
The Fort Lewis College softball team lost the opener of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Tournament 9-2 to Colorado Mesa on Friday in Lakewood, then rebounded to edge Colorado Christian in a 5-4 thriller.
Kassie Haubert was the hero in the finale, keeping the Skyhawks season alive. After the Cougars (25-23) tied the game at four in the top of the seventh, Chelsea Rodriguez and Destinee DeHerrera each singled, and Haubert followed with a knock of her own to win the game in the bottom of the seventh.
Katie Watkins (11-8) picked up the win by throwing 2/3 of an inning in relief of starter Victoria Johnson. She walked three but allowed no runs. Kamalii Peneku, Erica Conley and DeHerrera each had two hits, while DeHerrera scored twice.
FLC (20-23) battled back to tie the first game at 2 after three innings, but the Mavericks (27-15-1) scored three runs in the fourth inning and four more in the sixth as the Skyhawks failed to muster any more offense.
Jessica Severinsen (19-5) picked up the win in the circle for Colorado Mesa, allowing two runs on seven hits in four innings, and Ashley Pulido issued just one walk in her three innings of relief.
Haubert (8-12) took the loss for the Skyhawks, allowing nine runs (seven earned) on 12 hits in six innings.
Kaitlyn Bending tripled, scored a run and drove in a run for FLC, and Chelsea Rodriguez plated FLCs other run. Missy Fundora scored and went 2-for-4 for the Skyhawks.
Rachel Boothe was 2-for-4 with two RBIs, two runs scored, a home run and a double for the Mavericks.
FLC will play the loser of Adams State and Colorado Mines at 1 p.m. Saturday in Lakewood.
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