Box Score

SALEM, Ore. -- All-American Susan Churchwell and catcher Megan Turman each belted home runs in the third and fourth innings to lead UC Davis to a convincing 9-0 win in the opening game of the 2003 NCAA Division II Softball Championship at the Wallace Sports Complex.

Churchwell's shot broke a scoreless tie in the third inning, when she took a 2-0 pitch to deep left field to score Jennifer Borrelli and Emily Hetzner.

Churchwell came to the plate with two runners on in the fourth inning, and Wayne State pitcher Megan Misiak threw a fastball that cught her leg.

With the bases loaded and two outs, Turman took a 3-2 pitch to deep center field to cap off a six run inning for the Aggies.

"Hitting the grand slam felt good," Turman said. "I had a good eye on the ball. I came to the plate knowing we needed a base hit and insurance runs."

Amy Rosson pitched beautifully for UC Davis. The All-American threw five innings and gave up just two hits while striking out six.

"I was uncomfortable in the beginning but things eventually calmed down for me," Rosson said. "I was not tryiong to strike people out, but rather keep them from getting hits."

With the win, the Aggies advance to face the winner of St. Mary's and North Dakota State. 16th-ranked Wayne State drops to the loser's bracket and face the loser in an elimination game Friday.

"It's always good to stay in the winner's bracket," UC Davis head coach Cathy DeYoung said. "Wayne State is a good team and they were a early challenge for us."

Rosson picked up the win and improved her record to 26-8. Megan Misiak (26-9) took the loss for Wayne State.