The Onondaga Community College softball team advanced to the NJCAA National Championships in Rochester, MN May 19-21 for the first time since the late 1980s with a three game series win over Corning Community College. On Friday, the Lazers took game one 3-1 and fell in the nightcap 6-5 to the Red Barons. In the decisive game three, Onondaga jumped out to an early 6-0 lead and held on late for a 9-4 victory in the NJCAA Region III Championship series.

Game One (5/13): Onondaga 3, Coring CC 1

Morgan Nichols tossed a complete game five hitter issuing just one run while striking out eight Red Barons to win game one 3-1 of the three game series.

Onondaga scored three runs on just three hits in the opener. Morgan Neadom, Emily Clapper and Nichols (double) collected the hits for the offense. Clapper and Nichols each registered an RBI, and Lea Newman, Clapper and Kyra Hunsinger each scored.  

Game Two (5/12): Corning CC 6, Onondaga 5

The Lazers fell behind early by the score of 6-1 after five innings of play. Onondaga proceeded to score four runs in the sixth to pull within one but ultimately the comeback fell short in the 6-5 loss.

Samantha Moon led the offense going 1-4 from the plate with a triple, 4 RBIs and a run scored. Clapper added two hits, while Neadom Casey Gray and Victoria Duffy each booked a hit.

Nichols started in the circle for the defense giving up three runs on five hits in five innings pitched. Duffy came out of the bullpen allowing four runs (three earned) on three hits in one inning of work.

With the loss, Onondaga and Corning would square off in the decisive game three for a spot in the national tournament.

Game Three 5/13): Onondaga 9, Corning CC 4

With the season on the line, the Lazers would open their half of the first inning by platting six runs. Nichols went 3-2 at the dish with two RBIs and a run scored. Clapper, Moon and Gray each tallied two hits while Hunsinger, Jess Rodriguez and Jordan Doane collected a hit each. Clapper and Hunsinger finished with two RBIs each.

Nichols, again, booked the win throwing a complete game giving up four runs on 10 hits while striking out four.

Morgan Nichols was awarded the tournaments MVP, and both Emily Clapper and Casey Gray were named to the All-Tournament team.

The Lazers improved to 30-16 overall and will have a chance at a national championship later this week starting Thursday in Rochester, MN.