CHARLESTON, Ill. - Jacksonville State defeats Southeast Missouri, 9-5, to win the 2011 OVC Softball Championship and the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. It marks the third tourney title and second straight. The Redhawks finished the season with a 31-30 record.
Krystal Ruth led the Gamecocks going 3-for-4 with a pair of RBI while Hayden Crawford also drove in two runs on the day.
Hillary Phillips picked up the win in the circle as she struck out a pair in 6.2 innings of work
The Redhawks were paced by Shelby Kuryllo with three hits while Evan Sallis had a pair of hits. Taylor Cowan was tagged with the loss.
The Gamecocks will learn who they will play in the NCAA Regional tonight. The selection show will air on ESPNU at 9 p.m. CT.
2011 OVC ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
Erika Taylor, SIU Edwardsville
Shelby Kosmecki, Murray State
Megan Latimer, UT Martin
Kiley Holtz, Eastern Illinois
Ashleigh Westover, Eastern Illinois
Alora Marble, Southeast Missouri
Evan Sallis, Southeast Missouri
Shelby Kuryllo, Southeast Missouri
Krystal Ruth, Jacksonville state
Hayden Crawford, Jacksonville State
Sallie Beth Burch, Jacksonville State
Tiffany Harbin, Jacksonville State (MVP)