Oklahoma City University Wins Eighth NAIA Softball Title

Wednesday, May 23rd 2007, 6:47 pm

By: News On 6

DECATUR, Ala. (AP) -- Dasha Shembereva tosses a complete-game five-hitter and Mindy Crabaugh drives home two runs to lift Oklahoma City University to a 7-2 win over Point Loma Nazarene of California today in the NAIA softball championship game.

OCU won its eighth NAIA title in the sport, more than any other school. The Stars also won national softball championships in 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2001 and 2002.

OCU finishes the season at 53-6.

Shembereva received the tournament's most valuable player award. She struck out five batters and recorded her eighth win in as many national tournament games, setting a tournament record.

In OCU's eight games, the senior from Moscow allowed two earned runs in 40-and-one-third innings. She went 31-3 this season.

Brittani Ellis, Howard and NAIA player of the year Melody Murphy joined Shembereva on the all-tournament team for OCU.