Greensboro Box Score
Newport News, VA — It's the post-season once again.
Sophomore Jessica Rhoads doesn't need reminded.
The Falcons' do-it-all pitcher continued to save her best for when it matters most, delivering a no-hitter in the pitching circle and a two-run, first-inning homer Thursday — leading seventh-ranked Messiah to an 8-0 blasting of Greensboro College in the opening game at the Christopher Newport University regional.
Rhoads (27-3) struck out 11 and faced just 16 Pride batters on the afternoon, coming just a hit batter away from a perfect game.
For as incredible as Rhoads has been in NCAA Tournament play during her two-year college career, Thursday's feat was a new level of success, as the Dillsburg, Pa. native rang up her 11th complete-game collegiate no-no — but first ever in an NCAA Tournament game.
"Jess is a gamer, no question," said Amy Weaver, Messiah head coach. "When the important stuff is on the line, she steps up and wants the ball. She really is a great player."
Rhoads' abilities went beyond the pitching circle Thursday, as Messiah (37-6) utilized her first-inning blast to build offensive momentum. After sophomore Abi Buchler reached on a fielder's choice, Rhoads drilled a two-out dinger to left field, giving the Falcons an early 2-0 lead.
It was only her second homer of the year, but both had come in the post-season: Rhoads first long ball of the year occurred just a week ago in the Commonwealth Conference Tournament.
"We actually thought Jess had a couple homers early in the year, but both times they were called foul," Weaver said. "But, there's no question she's starting to hit the ball well. We all are starting to hit the ball well."
Weaver's club knocked the Pride for 12 hits Thursday, adding another run off a pair of singles in the second — senior Nicole Adams knocking in sophomore Lauren Seneca with an RBI hit to left center.
It wasn't until the fifth inning that the Falcons erupted, however, as seven hits equated to five more runs — ending the game via the eight-run rule.
Four RBI singles finished off Greensboro (27-14-1), as Seneca, senior Abby Bergakker, freshman Stephanie Schell and freshman MaryAnn Becker all pushed runners across. Rhoads (3-3, two RBI) and Seneca (3-2, one RBI) were Messiah's only multiple-hit performers, while nine different players hit safely in the contest.
"Even when we got out, we were hitting the ball hard," Weaver said. "I feel really good about the way we came out and played today. It was a total team effort. Everyone did their part."
The fourth seed in the eight-team regional, Messiah will now get a stiff test, as the team will face-off against third-ranked — and top-seeded — Salisbury University, a team which has won a miraculous 34 games in a row.
The Sea Gulls dispatched Eastern Mennonite University by a 4-0 score in Thursday's first game at CNU's Captains Field. Salisbury's Kelly Leary pitched a one-hitter in the victory, striking out nine.
"Leary is a good pitcher, and we got to see her today," Weaver said. "She's a lefty, so that makes her even harder to hit. But, I feel really good about our offense right now. I believe that, if we stay patient, we have a chance to get to her."
Messiah and Salisbury are scheduled to start at 2 p.m. Friday. Live Stats are available for all regional games at Christopher Newport. For additional information, visit the Christopher Newport's official NCAA regional site.
