Obstruction or Interference Auburn vs. Ole Miss

[SoCalASABlue]

Situation - R1 on 1B. B2 hits ground ball between 1B and 2B. R1 on the way to 2B collides with F4 in basepath while F3 fields the ball about 10 feet in front of the collision. The collision between R1 and F3 and the fielding of the ground ball by F3 occur simultaneously. Base umpire calls obstruction on F4. B2 is safe at 1B. R1 is now on 2B and R2 is now on 1B.

ESPNU commentators (including Michele Smith) are apoplectic that interference was not called on R1, saying that she is lucky that the base umpire incorrectly called obstruction.

Question - since F3 made the play on the ball simultaneous with the collision between R1 and F4, was obstruction the correct call or should it have been called interference? I don't do college ball but I believe the obstruction call was correct.

Just curious what the college blues think...

[vcblue]

Only one defender is protected on a batted ball. It is up to the umpire to determine which player had the most likely opportunity to field the batted ball and that is the player protected.

The NCAA rule is 12.9.7 Note 2

ASA Rule 8 Section 8. RUNNER IS NOT OUT.
C. When more than one fielder attempts to field a batted ball and the runner comes into contact with the one who, in the umpire’s judgment could not have made an out.

[MTR]

Only one defender is protected on a batted ball. It is up to the umpire to determine which player had the most likely opportunity to field the batted ball and that is the player protected.

The NCAA rule is 12.9.7 Note 2

ASA Rule 8 Section 8. RUNNER IS NOT OUT.
C. When more than one fielder attempts to field a batted ball and the runner comes into contact with the one who, in the umpire’s judgment could not have made an out.

Like white on rice! Been there, done that! Like deja vu all over again!

[vcblue]

yes to give credit where credit is do. I asked this same question and received the above answers then did a cut and paste job.