PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL - The softball team's 2009 season came to and end today after suffering a 9-2 loss to #4 Spring Arbor University in day two play at the NCCAA Nationals. The Hawks gained an early lead in the game but Spring Arbor battled from behind to take the 9-2 win and advance in the loser bracket. Sophomore Brooke Owen (at left with Head Coach Mandi Balduf) scored both of Chowan's runs while Tricia Gorman was credited with both runs batted in in the loss.

The Hawks got on the board first in the top of the first inning when Owen scored on an infield out by Gorman. Owen led the inning off with a single up the middle and then advanced to third base after Allie Kolezynski laid down a sacrifice bunt. Gorman grounded out to shortstop but was able to score Owen from third base for an early 1-0 lead.

Spring Arbor scored two runs in the bottom of the 3rd inning to take a 2-1 lead, which they would never give up. The Hawks edged within a run at 3-2 heading into the 6th inning after Owen scored on another Gorman infield ground out. But the Cougars put the game away after scoring six runs in the bottom of the 6th to take the eventual 9-2 win.

Shellie Wimpey picked up the loss on the mound and ends her senior season with a 17-10 overall record. Wimpey gave up eight hits and struck out three batters in 5.2 innings pitched.

The Hawks totaled six hits with Owen going 2-3 with both runs scored. Gorman knocked in both runs while Kolezynski, Melissa Woodrum, Alex Allen, and Allie Hunka each added a hit.

The Hawks end the year at 30-23.