NCAA D-III Finals: Top Seed Linfield Routs Emory, 11-0

Linfield advances to play DePauw (Ind.) Saturday at 4:00 PM EDT.

Jena Loop homered twice, sparking an avalanche of 14 hits as top-seeded Linfield hammered eighth-seeded Emory (Ga.) 11-0 in five innings in the opening game of the NCAA Division III Finals. Photo: Linfield Athletics

SALEM, Va. - Jena Loop homered twice, sparking an avalanche of 14 hits as top-seeded Linfield hammered eighth-seeded Emory (Ga.) 11-0 in five innings in the opening game of the NCAA Division III Finals Friday morning at the Moyer Sports Complex.

Loop twice sent the ball over the center-field fence in her first two trips to the plate, driving in five runs.

The Wildcats (41-6) outhit the Eagles 14-2 and played error-free defense behind starting pitcher Brittany Miller.

“Some days, you just see the ball really well,” said Loop, a senior catcher. “I just had to concentrate and wait on the right pitch.”

Loop, Meredith Brunette, Lisa Smith, Stephanie Rice and Candice Fujino each had a pair of hits for Linfield, which ended Emory’s school-record 18-game win streak.

The Eagles entered the game leading Division III in fielding percentage at .977 but committed two errors against the Wildcats.

Emory pitcher Kathy Gordon (16-5) was rattled early, giving up hits to the first seven Linfield batters to fall behind 6-0 after the first inning.

Miller (21-4) looked in control throughout her first tournament start, fanning four Eagles and walking one while surrendering just two hits.

But it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the sophomore righthander, who was forced to the bench in the latter part of the fifth after suffering an apparent leg cramp.

Kendra Strahm came on in relief to pitch the final out.

Linfield advances to play DePauw (Ind.) Saturday at 4:00 PM EDT.

After playing the early game Friday, the Wildcats will have plenty of time to prepare for the Tigers, who won 4-2 over Moravian (Pa.) on Friday.

“We’re playing with more confidence and we’re more relaxed,” said Wildcats coach Jackson Vaughan, comparing his team’s start to an opening game loss in last year’s Finals. “We know when we play well, we can match up with any team here.”

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