ALMA, Mich. - To go where no team has gone before, that is where the top seeded and 16th ranked Trine University softball team is at right now, reaching the NCAA Regional Finals with a 2-0 win over second seeded and 25th ranked Ohio Northern. Trine continues to improve on their school record in wins, now sitting with a record of 40-8. The Thunder are the fourth team in Division III to reach 40 wins this season.

Trine didn't wait long to get things started as freshman Carly Searles (Levering, Mich./Petoskey) delivered her 11th triple of the season, a shot to right center. The triple moved Searles into the top five in the nation for most triples this season.

Junior Sarah Belote (Bronson, Mich./Bronson) would reach on a fielder's choice as they were unable to get Searles leading off of third. Belote would be out at second on a fielder's choice on a grounder by Andi Gasco (Levering, Mich./Petoskey), but it allowed Searles to score from third.

That would be all the runs the Thunder would need, but they added an insurance run in the second. With one out, freshman Leah Hall (Indianapolis, Ind./Franklin Central) launched a double over the centerfielders head. Junior Lindsey Wise (Oregon, Ohio/Clay) reached on an infield bunt single to the pitcher, who then threw the ball the way, allowing Hall to come around to score.

The Polar Bears lone threat of the game came in the top of the seventh. After a leadoff double, Gasco walked the next batter. Sophomore Haleigh Daniels (Hamilton, Ohio/Hamilton) then made a great diving stop on a groundball in the hole and flipped it on to fellow sophomore Jamie Lydick (Plainfield, Ind./Plainfield) at third to just get the runner. Gasco then struck out the next batter. Ohio Northern would then get a single to left, but a bullet throw by Hall to Belote at the plate got the runner trying to score and ending the game.

Gasco pitched her fifth shutout of the season, allowing just five hits, while striking out five.

The Polar Bears actually out-hit the Thunder 5-3, but Trine was able to get them when it mattered most. Trine got hits from Searles, Hall and Wise, while Gasco delivered the games only RBI.

Trine will have to wait until tomorrow to find out who they will next play. The Thunder will face the winner of the Ohio Northern-Alma game at 2:00 p.m. Trine needs only one win to clinch the regional crown.