ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. – Florida Southern exploded for seven runs in the fourth and fifth innings to take a 7-0 win over Angelo State and force a second championship game at the 2004 NCAA Division II Softball Championships. 

Eleven of the previous 13 games in the tournament were decided by two runs or less. The Moccasins’ run total exceeded the total from their previous four games in the tournament. 

In what looked to be a tight pitcher’s duel, Florida Southern broke the game open in the bottom of the fourth inning. With two outs, the Mocs loaded the bases. Jackie Leppla scored on a wild pitch, then Sarah Kohlbrenner and Ashley Alpizar were plated on one of two costly errors by the Rambelle defense. 

The Mocs again loaded the bases in the fifth, and ASU started Claudia Lopez proceeded to walk two runs home. Lopez was replaced by Lori Hernandez who walked Kohlbrenner and allowed an RBI fielder’s choice. 

Florida Southern pitcher Megan Brown did not yield a hit through five innings and ASU managed its only hit in the sixth inning off of Stacey Bronson. 

The two teams will meet at approximately 10:05 p.m. ET in a winner-take-all championship game. The Mocs and Rambelles have met twice in the tournament, with Angelo State taking a 2-1 win on Friday.