TEXAS LUTHERAN DROPS OPENER OF DIII WORLD SERIES FINAL

A four-run first inning buoyed #2-seed Virginia Wesleyan to a 4-2 win over the #4-seeded Texas Lutheran Bulldogs in the opener of the NCAA Division III Softball Championship Finals, Monday.

The Marlins, national champions in 2017 and 2018, moved within one game of capturing the national title. Game two of the series is set for 10 a.m. central / 11 a.m. eastern on Tuesday.  A possible third game would follow.

"We just got off to a rough start," said Wade Wilson, TLU's head softball coach. "You get rid of that (first inning) then it's a different ball game."

Brenham-native Kelly Jurden was 0-2, with a walk.

TLU's overall record now stands at 35-5. VWU improved to 45-5.

TLU needs two wins on Tuesday, with at least one likely coming against Hull, to keep the national title in Seguin, Texas.