After defeating host Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in two out of three games in the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regionals this past weekend, MIT clinched a spot in the College World Series for the first time in program history.
The Engineers, one of eight teams to move on to the Division III College World Series tournament, continue their march toward a national championship with a matchup against Illinois Wesleyan on Thursday, May 26, at 4 p.m. in Salem, Virgina.
MIT advanced to the College World Series after a pair of dramatic wins. The first game was scoreless heading into the sixth inning, but the Engineers cracked the 0-0 tie when freshman Amber VanHemel hit a single up the middle, sending sophomore Jasmin Joseph home from second base. WPI nearly came up with the victory when it had runners on first and second with two outs in the seventh. However, its next hitter lined the ball to deep right field where MIT sophomore Katherine Shade made a diving catch to end the game.
Later in the weekend, in what proved to be the series-clinching game, sophomore Amanda Lee's two-run home run in the bottom of the first inning was the difference for MIT as the Engineers defeated WPI, 2-1.
For their efforts, Lee was named the Super Regional tournament's most outstanding player, while senior Alexandra Marshall was selected as the most outstanding pitcher.
