After defeating the Eagles 4-0 in the first game, the St. Thomas softball team advanced to NCAA softball tournament finals with a sweep over University of Wisconsin-La Crosse 5-0 to take the Super Regional Championship advance to the World Series bracket Friday at South Field.

Infielder Chase Shorly hit one home run and a double, tallying four RBIs to help the Tommies (43-5) sweep the Eagles (29-20).

“I was told by my coach… look for one pitch, one location and take a hard swing and no more half swings,” Shortly said. “We talked a lot about don’t press, stay in the moment… not making the moment any bigger than it is, and I am a senior and I want to do everything I can to help my team this year.”

The Tommies started the game with a sacrifice fly by infielder Elise Barnes, allowing infielder Kristin McGonigal to score. The Tommies scored runs in each of the last three innings of the game. The Tommies outhit the Eagles 6-3.

The Tommies have outscored their opponents 30-1 this post season.

Having recorded seven shutouts in the Tommies’ eight playoff games, Pitcher Kierstin Anderson-Glass is prepared for the upcoming weekend.

“I feel great, as long as I have my defense behind me, I have my full confidence in them, and as long they’re behind me, I have nothing to worry about,” Glass said.

The Tommies have played in the NCAA finals three of the past six seasons.

Coach John Tschida credits the influence of the seniors with the team advancing to the next round.

“Overall, I was so proud of our seniors in particular. They went to the World Series when they were freshmen, but from day one, they’ve worked for four years, hard, to get back again,” Tschida said. “Just a great team effort all the way around.”

The Tommies begin the NCAA World Series bracket play in Tyler, Texas next Thursday, May 23.

Matthew Curry can be reached at curr1523@stthomas.edu.