BOX SCORE #9 Humboldt State 1, #16 Sonoma State 0 -- Box Score

TURLOCK, Calif. -- Samantha Lipperd gave up just one run on three hits and struck out eight batters, but the one run is all Humboldt State needed to defeat Sonoma State, 1-0, in the Gold Bracket quarterfinal on Sunday at the 12th Annual Tournament of Champions, presented by Mizuno.  The loss eliminates the 16th-ranked Seawolves (31-9) from the tournament, ending a season-long 12-game win streak.  The ninth-ranked Lumberjacks improve to 33-10 and advances to play Cal State Dominguez Hills in the Gold Bracket semifinal.

Lipperd tossed a gem on Sunday, keeping the powerful Humboldt State lineup in the park -- the Lumberjacks came into the game with a Division II-best 73 home runs this season.  The lone run came across the plate in the top of the third inning when Chrissy Stalf smashed a chopper down the first base line, just past Ali Palermo and into right field, allowing Andrea Chavez to score from second base.  Two of the three hits by the 'Jacks came in the third as Chavez bloop-singled to left field with one out and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by pinch-hitter Erin Guidarelli.

Humboldt State also threatened with two base runners on with one out in the sixth, but Lipperd struck out the next two batters to end the inning.

Meanwhile, Sonoma State couldn't get anything going against HSU ace Katie Obbema at any time -- she improved to 15-2 this season.  The Seawolves recorded five hits and also walked once, but no base runner would be able advance beyond first base at any time in the contest.

Sunday's game between two nationally-ranked squads was just a preview of what's to come next weekend as Sonoma State will visit Arcata on Friday and Saturday to square off with Humboldt State in the battle of the CCAA's top two teams.  The Lumberjacks are 20-4 in conference play and hold a two-game lead over second-place Sonoma State (18-6 CCAA) in the standings.  The first of two doubleheaders next weekend will begin at 12:00 p.m. on Friday.

Three Sonoma State players -- Ali Palermo, Samantha Lipperd and Ancia Purdy -- were named to the All-Tournament Team of the 12th Annual Tournament of Champions, presented by Mizuno.  Palermo was also named the "Top Hitter" of the tournament, batting .545 (12 for 22) with one home run and eight RBI.  In addition, she was the co-leader in the tournament for most hits (12).  Lipperd went 3-1 with a 1.04 ERA and struckout the most batters in the TOC for the second year in a row, fanning 28 in 27 innings of work.  Purdy batted .500 (10 for 20) with a double, two RBI and eight runs scored, stealing a tournament-high seven bases.

As a team offensively, the Seawolves hit .312 (54 for 173) with four doubles, one home run, 26 RBI and 30 runs scored.  In the circle, Lipperd, Amanda Llerena and Katy Bihl combined to have the lowest opponent batting average in the tournament (.168) and compiled the most strikeouts (51) as well.  They had a team ERA of 1.87, allowing 13 runs (12 earned) in 45 total innings.

Sonoma State is now 43-27 in the 12-year history of the Tournament of Champions.