Lady Pioneers Upset Oakland CC in 1st Game of District J Tourney

Columbus, OH – One couldn't blame the Delta College softball team if they became a little giddy when talking about the post-season last week.  After all, the Pioneers have been mired in mediocrity for the last several years, having cancelled the season in its entirety in 2014, before playing up to its potential in 2016. 

"I like our chances," said first year head coach Randy Mullard when asked about the Region XII, District J tournament taking place today and tomorrow in Columbus, Ohio. 

"We have the talent.  Our girls have fought through tough times and we have nothing to lose. I expect us to make some noise."

And make some noise they did.

Opening up play as the sixth seed in a six team tournament, Delta defeated number three seeded Oakland Community College 4-2 on Wednesday in what became a statement game for the Pioneers.

"We are a lot closer this year," said sophomore shortstop Alyssa Westphal.  "We trusted each other on the field more than last year and had a coach that gave a lot of heart to our program."

Down 1-0 after the first inning against Oakland, Delta responded with a single run in the top of the second courtesy of a walk, an error and a Madison Justin single to even the score.  Oakland would retake the lead in the bottom of the third, however, 2-1.

With the score still 2-1 in favor of Oakland – a team that Delta had dropped three of four to during league play – Shanae Woolner stepped to the plate and tied the game with one swing of the bat with a solo homerun.  It was her fourth homerun of the season and second against Oakland.

Meanwhile sophomore ace Jensen Tchorzynski continued to roll on the mound, keeping the Oakland offense at bay.  Playing well in close games wasn't something the second year player had experience in the past.

"Huge difference between last year and this year," said Tchorzynski.  "Our coaching staff created a winning culture that was unknown until now."

With the score tied at 2-2, Delta threatened in the sixth with runners at first and second but a pop out and a strikeout would end the inning.

In the bottom of the frame, Oakland would return the favor as runners reached second and third with two outs.  A wild pitch would see a play at the plate but Tchorzynski was able to recover in time to get the throw from Delta backstop Byranna Collins and keep the score knotted at two apiece.

Neither lead was jeopardized in the seventh but in the top of the eighth, Delta would break through offensively.

Shelby Bailey would get things going with a leadoff walk before Blake Garner followed suit to put runners at first and second with no outs.  Micaylee Root then pinch ran for Bailey and advanced to third on a fielder's choice as Garner was forced out at second but as the throw escaped Root would scamper home to put Delta up, 3-2.   Collins would then double home Katlyn Blake for a 4-2 lead heading in to the bottom of the eighth.

Tchorzynski pitched a perfect eighth to improve her record to 15-6 on the season.  She surrendered two earned runs on eight hits while striking out three.  Offensively, the Pioneers were led by Taylor Wozniak with two hits while Katlyn Blake scored two runs.

Delta next plays second seeded Cuyahoga Community College in the winner bracket semi-finals.  Game time is 2pm.