They upset Columbia College twice to advance to the championship game, but lost to McKendree (30-14) in the final, 4-2.

Both made key plays in the seventh inning in the tight contest. Smarr hit an RBI double to cut the Bearcat lead to two, while Fiene - an all-conference left fielder - went 2 for 4, including a single in the seventh that represented the tying run.

"We didn’t get down," said Smarr, a shortstop. "We knew we could come back. We fought hard and we almost came back."

But McKendree, led by AMC Pitcher of the Year Mindy Jameson, were able to shut down the rally and retired three straight Owls with runners on first and third in the seventh en route to the championship.

McKendree also won the regular season title with a conference record of 8-2.

"I think we played very, very well today, but we just didn’t execute sometimes," said Fiene, who had several family members rooting for her. "I loved playing here in Columbia. I know everybody here and they can watch me play. I really liked having all that support."

McKendree broke the game open on a two-RBI triple by Stefanie Foster, the Bearcats’ No. 9 hitter. Foster was subbed earlier in the game, but was later re-inserted just in time for the game-winning hit in the sixth inning.

"She always bounces back," said McKendree coach Evelyn Bean. "When you take her out she wants to prove that she should be in there. It was a good move. She can do this and she hit a shot that kind of put the icing on the cake with those extra runs."