Lady Blues awarded win over Central Missouri

April 29, 2002

April 20th Game 1 Box Score | Updated Season Stats

The Lady Blues have been awarded the win in the softball game with Central Missouri from April 20. MIAA Commissioner Ralph McFillen awarded the win again to the Lady Blues after a conference call with the MIAA Faculty Athletic Representatives was canceled because of Northwest Missouri’s 3-0 win over Central Missouri last Friday putting the Jennies three games behind the Lady Blues with only two games to play.

On the Saturday of the game in question, McFillen initially awarded the 3-1 victory to the Lady Blues after the game had been called by field umpires in the top of the seventh inning with lightning in the area after the Jennies had tied the score 3-3 with two outs. However Central Missouri appealed that decision with the commissioner agreeing with CMSU. Washburn then appealed that decision setting up this morning’s conference call. After the CMSU’s appeal, McFillen ruled the game is to be considered a “halted game” with play resuming in the seventh inning with the score tied 3-3 at 3 p.m. on April 30, when the Jennies return to Topeka for the second game of the doubleheader.

In an email sent to the MIAA’s Faculty Athletic Representatives, McFillen stated “The softball situation resolved itself last Friday. NWMSU (Northwest Missouri) defeated CMSU in a make-up game, thus putting CMSU three full games behind WU. Conference policy, which is in writing, does not require make-ups if they do not change the order of the teams. Since the make-up is not needed, two wins by CMSU would not change the order, the first game that was in dispute now becomes a win (called game) for WU inasmuch as the second game does not need to be played; it would not effect the standings or the conference champion, which is WU.”

“I’m pleased the right decision was reached, but I’m not sure it was for the right reasons,” Washburn Athletic Director Loren Ferré said. “Conference standings should have no bearing on the outcome of the appeal. I believed all along that Washburn had won the game on the field by MIAA and NCAA policies.”

The Jennies are returning to Topeka tomorrow for the completion of the doubleheader at 3 p.m. at the Washburn Softball Complex. Seniors Kristen Cheney and Dawn Nachbar will be honored before the game. The Lady Blues will enter the final regular season game with a 46-8 record and 16-1 in MIAA play.

“I’m happy for our student-athletes and coaches for winning their first MIAA Championship,” Ferré said. “They have had a great season.”