The Eagles (22-19), who knocked off sixth-seeded host Palm Beach Atlantic (Fla.) University 2-0 earlier in the day, broke a scoreless tie in the top of the third inning when Nicole Dimiceli lined a two-run double to centerfield after Kristin Krueger and Carrie Sensor singled to start the inning.

Judson tacked on an important insurance run in the top of the sixth inning on Rachel Pope’s one-out RBI-single to rightfield that increased the Eagles’ lead to 3-0.

Meanwhile, the MVNU offense was being held in check by Judson’s Aimee Ewert (10-9). The Lady Cougars did not get their first base runner of the game until sophomore shortstop Tasha Konkle led off the bottom of the fourth inning with a single after the first nine batters were retired in order. However, following Konkle’s single the next seven batters went out in order for MVNU as the Lady Cougars failed to generate any offense until the bottom of the sixth inning.

With one out in the bottom of the sixth inning, junior outfielder Whitney Clark and Konkle had back-to-back singles and freshman second baseman Kristin Kurelic walked to load the bases. Sophomore outfielder Leslie Banichar (left) followed with a two-run single to leftfield to cut the deficit to 3-2.

A single by sophomore designated player Staci Graham loaded the bases again, but the threat ended without any further scoring by MVNU as sophomore catcher Caitlin Murphy flied out to centerfield and sophomore outfielder Lauretta Wallace struck out looking. Then, in the bottom of the seventh inning, the Lady Cougars were retired in order as Judson advanced to the winner’s bracket championship game with the 3-2 victory.

Junior right-hander Candace White (10-10) suffered the loss for MVNU as she allowed seven hits, two walks, and three runs over seven innings with four strikeouts.

Ewert allowed just five hits, one walk, and two runs over seven innings for Judson as she also struck out five batters on her way to picking up the victory.

Konkle (right) led the Lady Cougars at the plate by going 2-for-3 with Banichar, Graham, and Clark each adding one single apiece. Meanwhile, Dimiceli paced the Eagles with two hits and two RBI.

MVNU will return to action on Friday at 2:00 p.m. in the loser’s bracket of the double elimination event when the Lady Cougars will take on third-seeded Mid-Continent (Ky.) University. Mid-Continent dropped its first game on Thursday 8-0 to fourth-seeded Olivet Nazarene (Ill.) University, but stayed alive with a 4-3 victory over fifth-seeded Central Baptist (Ark.) College in the loser’s bracket.

In other action on Thursday, second-seeded Spring Arbor (Mich.) University knocked off Central Baptist 4-2 in the winner’s bracket, but then Spring Arbor fell 3-0 to Olivet Nazarene.

In addition to MVNU’s loser’s bracket game on Friday, Palm Beach Atlantic and Spring Arbor will also square off in the loser’s bracket at 2:00 p.m. with the two winning teams meeting each other at 4:00 p.m. Judson and Olivet Nazarene will also play at 4:00 p.m. with the winner advancing to the championship game of the tournament on Saturday.