March 4, 2009

Box Score

KISSIMMEE, Fla. - The St. Bonaventure softball team lost two games on Wednesday afternoon in the Rebel Spring Games Tournament in Kissimmee, Florida.

The Brown and White lost a 4-0 decision to Valparaiso in their first game of the day and did not fare much better in the second contest, falling 1-0 to Northeast Conference member St. Francis (Pa.).

With today's two losses, the Bonnies spring record drops to 1-7 on the season as they continue play in the Sunshine State.

In the first game against Valparaiso, junior Sherri Thompson recieved the start and struggled early on. In the top of the first inning, she gave up a leadoff single to senior Karen Korb. Korb then stole second to give Valpo a runner in scoring position with just one out. The next Valpo hitter hit a fly ball to center field that was caught allowing Korb to tag up and move to third. The relay throw back to the infield went to the wrong base, however, allowing Korb to come all the way home by way of the error, making the score 1-0 Crusaders. Thompson would then proceed to give up three straight singles, the last of which drove another run across to make the score 2-0.

That would be all the offense Valparaiso would need for the game as starter Stephanie Kelly kept the Brown and White's bats silent the entire day. Kelly pitched a complete game five-hitter walking none and striking out 13 batters to earn the victory. All five of the Bonnies hits were singles, which were spread out over the seven innings, giving St. Bonaventure no real scoring opportunities. Senior Kathryn Pazda and sophomore Kara Morenus each had a single apiece as they both continue their strong play as of late.

The second game of the afternoon would be an even tougher contest to swallow after the pitching effort the Brown and White received. Freshman Erin Nargi took the mound for the Bonnies and pitched a gem, going seven innings allowing two hits and one earned run while striking out seven.

The lone run surrendered by Nargi came in the bottom of the fourth inning, when junior Jamie Dixon stepped up and smashed a solo home run to give the Red Flash of St. Francis (Pa.) a 1-0 lead. That is all St. Francis would need, as it too received a stellar pitching performance from starter Laura Caldwell. Caldwell went a complete game surrendering only two hits while striking out 13 St. Bonaventure hitters. The Bonnies only two hits of the game were singles by freshman Kristin Sullivan and sophomore Amber Webb-Fife.

The Brown and White get back on the diamond on Friday, March 6, as they play another doubleheader against Connecticut and Evansville. The first game against Connecticut is scheduled to start at 11:00 a.m. and the second game against Evansville will begin at 4:00 p.m. as the Bonnies continue play in the Rebel Spring Games Tournament.