ELLENSBURG, Wash. – The Central Washington University softball team clawed their way into securing the final GNAC Tournament spot with a pair of thrilling games over the Simon Fraser Red Leafs Friday afternoon.
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
 
GAME 1
 

• Final: Central Washington (4), Simon Fraser (3)
• Records: CWU (16-26, 11-10 GNAC), SFU (9-30, 4-17 GNAC)

 
GAME 2
 

• Final: Central Washington (2), Simon Fraser (1)
• Records: CWU (17-26, 12-10 GNAC), SFU (9-31, 4-18 GNAC)
• Location: Gary & Bobbi Frederick Field, Ellensburg, Wash.

 
GAME 1:
 
SCORING:
 

• The Red Leafs struck in the top of the first inning when Janique Balcaen singled up the middle to score Grace McMillan and make it 1-0 Red Leafs.
• SFU tacked on in the top of the fourth inning when Megan Duclos sacrificed herself to score Cassidy Affeldt and put the Leafs up 2-0.
• The Wildcats evened things up in the bottom of the fifth inning when Jillian Hampson singled to left field to score Serena Perez and Karsyn Decker.
• Sasha Mitchell put the 'Cats on top later in the fifth inning when she singled to left center field to score Hampson and Makenna King and put CWU up 4-2.
• The Red Leafs would score one in their comeback attempt when Anika Janzen sacrificed herself to score Taylor Henley in the top of the seventh inning to cut the 'Cat lead to 4-3.

 
PITCHING:
 

• Ashlee Laver pitched the full seven innings for CWU allowing 10 hits, three runs two of which were earned, and two walks while striking out three against 37 batters.
• Julia Hansen earned the start for SFU pitching 4.1 innings allowing three hits, four runs two of which were earned, and two walks while striking out four against 20 batters.
• Nevada Johnson pitched the final 1.2 innings for the Leafs allowing one hit against six batters.

 
HITTING:
 

• The Wildcats finished with four hits, one each from Hampson, Mitchell, Brooke Jordan, and Alyssa Benthagen.
• Hampson and Mitchell recorded two RBIs apiece.
• King and Mitchell drew the 'Cats two walks.
• The Red Leafs finished with 10 hits, led by Abby McGlynn and Balcaen each with two.

 
GAME 2:
 
SCORING:
 

• Mitchell kept things going for the 'Cats in the bottom of the third inning when she singled to left field to score King and put CWU up 1-0.
• Simon Fraser tied it up in the top of the fifth inning when Janzen sacrificed herself to score Affeldt.
• Benthagen broke the tie in the bottom of the sixth inning when she singled to left field to score Mitchell and put the crimson and black up 2-1.

 
PITCHING:
 

• Zoey Theophilus pitched the full seven innings for CWU allowing three hits, one run, and no walks while striking out four against 24 batters.
• Monica Bourque pitched the full six innings for SFU allowing four hits, two runs one of which was earned, and three walks while striking out five batters against 25 faced.

 
HITTING:
 

• The 'Cats finished with four hits, one apiece from Mitchell, Benthagen, Jordan, and Laney Kaysner.
• Mitchell and Benthagen each recorded one RBI.
• King, Hampson, and Mitchell all earned one walk apiece.
• The Red Leafs finished with three hits with McGlynn, Affeldt, and Caitlin Zagari all recording one apiece.

 
SERIES HISTORY:
 

• The Red Leafs still own a 53-47 record over the Wildcats.
• The Wildcats have built a three-game win-streak over SFU.
• The Red Leafs have a 26-22 record in Ellensburg over the 'Cats.
• Simon Fraser owns the conference record 41-36.

 
UP NEXT:
 

• The two squads will be back in action from Gary & Bobbi Frederick field tomorrow for another doubleheader at 1 and 3 p.m. The Wildcats will be honoring nine seniors following the conclusion of game two tomorrow.