DECATUR, AL - In their first game of the 2009 NAIA National Softball Championship, the Friends University Falcons defeated the Park University Pirates 6-5 in the first game of pool play for both teams.

After falling behind 1-0 at the end of the second inning, the Falcons (39-7) tacked on two runs in the top of the third  when Haley Martin scored on a Park University error and Megan Vin Zant knocked in Amy Martinez.

In the fourth inning, Friends added four runs in the top half of the inning to go up 6-1 only to give up four runs to the Pirates in the bottom half of the inning to bring the score to 6-5.

On the efforts of starting pitcher Brandi Leeker, who pitched the first six innings, and the closing effort by Vin Zant who pitched a scoreless 7th inning, Friends University finished of their opponents.

This is the first win ever by the Falcons at the NAIA Softball National Championship.  Their appearance this year is their second ever and second in a row under the direction of Tony Segovia, Head Coach.

Next up for the Falcons are the Hastings Broncos (34-16) representing the Great Plains Athletic Conference.  This will be the second of three scheduled pool play games for Friends University.  This game will be played Friday at 4:30 p.m.

The Broncos lost their first game in pool play to top-seeded California Baptist Univeristy 5-1 earlier today.

For the complete box score of the Friends-Park matchup, click here.

For the complete play by play of this matchup, click here.

For a copy of the 2009 NAIA Softball National Championship Media Guide, click here.