Owens softball cruises in tourney

Jordan Ratliff pitches for the Owens Community College women's softball team.

NORMAL, Ill. -- The No. 8-ranked Express softball team defeated Mineral Area College (Mo.) 7-2 on Thursday to advance to the Elite 8 of the NJCAA Div. II National Tournament winner’s bracket.

Jordan Ratliff of Petersburg, Mich., tossed a complete game seven-hitter and the Express got 11 hits on offense.

The Express advance to face No. 6-ranked Heartland Community College (Ill.) in the next round.