Kissimmee, Fla. -- The fourth-ranked Wayne State University softball squad (17-4 overall) had to go extra innings in its eighth game in four days as part of the Rebel Spring Games to defeat New York Tech (3-4 overall) 4-2 Tuesday evening.  The game started 90 minutes late due to the length of previous games on that field.

The Bears scored once in the first on a walk, a single and an RBI single by Lisa Boystak.  NYIT added to its lead in the second on a walk, a sacrifice bunt and an RBI double to right center by Marissa Brucculeri.

The Warriors responded with two runs in the top of the third as Alison Allen (Redford, Mich. / Farmington Hills Mercy) had an infield single but was erased at second on a fielder's choice.  Brittany Omelanchuk (Brooklin, Ont. / Wilson S.S.) reached on a throwing error with two outs advancing Rebecca Stanley (Waterloo, Ont. / Waterloo C.I.) to third.  Becca Ryan (Westland, Mich. / Dearborn Divine Child) drilled a two-run double down the left field line to knot the game at two.

Casey Hanes (Richmond, Va. / Douglas Freeman) replaced starter Nicole Abel (Kitchener, Ont. / St. Mary's) in the circle for WSU to start the bottom of the third.  Hanes retired the first eight batters she faced including six in a row via a strike out.

WSU had a great scoring chance in the top of the sixth as Ryan singled with one out.  Stephanie LeClair (Kitchener, Ont. / Forest Heights C.I.) followed with a bunt single and Steph Foreman (Cambridge, Ont. / Preston) singled through the left side to load the bases.  The inning ended on a bizarre play as Bailey Reid (Guelph, Ont. / Ross Collegiate V.I.) had an apparent single just in front of the left fielder who was able to make a strong throw to third to force LeClair who had to wait to see if the ball would be caught.  NYIT's third baseman then threw to second to force Foreman.

The Bears had a terrific chance to win the game in the bottom of the seventh as pinch-hitter Patricia Memale had a leadoff walk.  A sacrifice bunt by pitcher Jamie Brooker advanced Brigette Kirschmer, who had re-entered, to second.  Kirschmer went to third on a passed ball, but Hanes was able to strike out the next two NYIT batters leaving the potential winning run on third base.

In the top of the eighth, pinch-runner Makelle Barski (Trenton, Mich.) was placed on second as the international tie-breaker rule took effect.  Ryan's sacrifice bunt advanced Barski to third where she scored on LeClair's single to left.  With two outs, Reid doubled to left scoring LeClair with an insurance run.

In the bottom of the frame, pinch-runner Josiane Villeneuve was placed on second.  Needing two runs, NYIT could not afford to sacrifice.  Hanes struck out the first batter, and received some defensive help on the ensuing hitter as Ryan was able to slow down a hard smash which deflected to Lauren Histed (Shelby Twp., Mich. / Utica) at second base who threw back to Ryan covering first base.  Following a hit by pitch, the final out was recorded on a ground out.

Hanes improved to 13-2 by allowing one hit in six innings with nine strikeouts to only one walk.  Abel allowed two earned runs on three hits with two strikeouts and two walks in two innings.

Brooker was tagged with the loss after allowing 10 hits and four runs (one earned) with one strikeout and two walks.

LeClair went 3-for-4, while Ryan had two hits and two RBI and Jaci Banton (Richmond Hill, Ont. / Cardinal Carter) contributed two hits.

Wayne State will take Wednesday off before resuming tournament play on Thursday with contests against Adelphi (11 am) and Shepherd (1 pm).