First team NFCA All-American pitcher Laurel Sagartz did not disappoint in Washington-St. Louis' opening game at the Division III national championship, throwing a five-inning no hitter against Plattsburgh State for the 8-0 win. 

The senior struck out nine and was an error and one hit batter away from a perfect game, completing the ninth no hitter of her career in the school's first ever national championship appearance. 

"Hitting and pitching have been constants for us all year, and we're looking forward to that continuing tomorrow," Washington-St. Louis head coach Leticia Pineda-Boutté said. 

The Wash U. bats provided plenty of offense to support Sagartz, scoring eight runs on just six hits and two Plattsburgh State errors. The biggest damage was done by second baseman Megan Fieser, who cleared the right field fence with a three-run shot in the bottom of the second off Plattsburgh State starter Stephanie Zweig. All three runs were unearned, however, as an error by the shortstop a play earlier would have ended the inning. 

Plattsburgh State's defense struggled in the next frame as well, as a high pop fly dropped between the left and center fielders due to an apparent communication error. That miscue would help lead to a four-run inning for the Bears, pushing the lead to 7-0. 

"I think it's hard sometimes when you know you gave it your all and you lose 8-0, but if we can look ourselves in the mirror and know we did the best we could, we'll be ok for tomorrow," Plattsburgh head coach Sean Cotter said. 

Plattsburgh State will face Rhode Island College in an elimination game tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. EDT, while Washington-St. Louis moves on to face Wisconsin-Eau Claire at 6:30 p.m. EDT.