Chapman Wins the Division III Softball National Championship

Chapman scored four runs in the first inning, all unearned, and beat Trenton (N.J.) State, 4-2, for the NCAA Division III softball title in Storm Lake, Iowa.

Lisa Cancilla capped Chapman’s four-run first with a two-run homer over the left-field fence.

Chapman’s Jennifer Martinez started the inning with a bunt and reached base on a throwing error by third baseman Michelle Carlson.

Christy Guidorizzi then bunted toward first and Missy Hammer fielded it. But her throw went down the right-field line enabling Martinez and Guidorizzi to score.

One out later, Kathy Donovan singled and Cancilla followed with her home run to put Chapman ahead, 4-1.

Winning pitcher Guidorizzi (27-4) pitched a five-hitter with nine strikeouts for Chapman (43-5). She had 41 strikeouts in 21 innings in the tournament.

Trenton State cut the lead to 4-1 when Carlson, the Division III player of the year, homered to start the fourth.

Guidorizzi, Donovan, Cancilla and Jessamine Maiben were selected to the all-tournament team for Chapman.