The Webster University softball team continued its quest to win the SLIAC Tournament Championship, despite a first round loss, with a come from behind 7-3 win over #1 seeded Westminster College, on May 6 at ABC Park in St. Ann, MO.  Two three-run rallies catapulted the Gorloks past the Blue Jays, and into the championship game vs. Greenville College (IL) at ABC on May 7.

The Gorloks will have to beat the Panthers twice, coming out of the elimination bracket, to wins its first Tournament Championship since 2009.  Webster lost to Greenville in the first round, 4-1, but fought its way back with wins over Fontbonne University and Westminster.

Alexis Spriggs (SR, Scott City, MO/Scott City) was the pitching star for the Gorloks for a second straight day.  Spriggs, coming off a an eight-inning complete game win over Fontbonne, went 4 1/3 innings of scoreless relief while Webster mounted its comeback.  Spriggs won her ninth game, giving up two hits and two walks, while striking out two.  She is now 9-6 on the season.

Webster starter Chelsea Thornley (SR, Clinton, MO/Clinton) gave up two singles in the third and, with two out, both scored on a double.  After another single gave the Blue Jays runners at the corners, Spriggs was summoned.  She was greeted with a run-scoring single, but shut Westminster down the rest of the way.

With Webster down, 3-0, heading into the fourth inning, Abby Burroughs (FR, Edwardsville, IL/Triad) singled and took second on an E6.  Kate Sullens (SR, Highland, IL/Highland) walked and Kayla Day (SR, Caruthers, CA/Caruthers) singled up the middle, scoring Burroughs.  Terri Dearth (JR, Lemont, IL/Mt. Assisi Academy) doubled, scoring Sullens and sending pinch-runner Austin Peterson (FR, Lake Ozark, MO/School of the Osage) to third.  Peterson scored on a wild pitch and the game was tied at 3-3.

In the fifth, Tessa Johanning (JR, Sullivan, MO/Sullivan) reached on an infield single and Taylor White (FR, St. Charles, MO/Lutheran St. Charles) bunted for a hit.  Katelyn Johnson (SR, Cambridge, IL/Woodstock) also laid down a bunt for a hit to load the bases.  Burroughs walked, driving in Johanning, Sullens grounded out, 4-3, with all runners moving up as White scored.  Day had an infield single to the right side as Johnson scored the Gorloks' third run of the inning and they led, 6-3.

Webster added an insurance run in the seventh when White doubled to right and Burroughs singled her in for a 7-3 lead and that was the final.

Burroughs was 2-3 with two RBIs, a walk and run scored, and Day was 2-3 with two RBIs.  White wound up 2-4 with a double and two runs scored, and Johnson was 2-4 with a run scored.

Webster is 28-14 now on the season, its most wins since 31 in 2005.  Westminster, the #1 seed entering the tournament, finishes the season at 24-12.

The Gorloks will face the Panthers at 10:00 a.m. on May 7 at ABC Park.  If they win that game, a second game will immediately follow for the championship, with the winner advancing to the NCAA III Championships.  For live stats click HERE.  Click on 'tournament central' link.