Temple University Athletics
SOFTBALL EDGED BY FIFTH RANKED WASHINGTON, 4-3, IN FINAL GAME OF NFCA CLASSIC
2.23.03 | Softball
Freshman Katherine White earned her first start as an Owl and faired well against a solid Washington lineup. The Huskies jumped out to a quick but small lead, scoring a run in the bottom of the first inning on two hits. The first, a ball hit by Husky shortstop Jaime Clark, fell between right field and second base but was carried by the wind for so long that Clark reached third base. A single by designated player Kristen Rivera scored Clark and gave Washington the lead.
In the top of the third inning the Owls answered back. Designated player Vicky Grasham led off the inning with a single through the right side. Jess Rohn followed with a walk which advanced Grasham to second. With two outs and two runners on, centerfielder Lynsey Grace delivered, smacking a two-base, line drive right through the middle, scoring Grasham and Rohn and giving the Owls a two to one advantage.
Temple's lead didn't last long against the Huskies' dominant hitting. In the bottom of the third, Washington's Amanda Oleson singled and was brought in two batters later when Husky shortstop Jaime Clark hit a home run deep over the centerfield fence. Kristen Rivera followed with another homerun, and the Owls quickly found themselves playing catch-up, being led by a score of four to two.
The score remained the same and Temple had one last chance in the top of the seventh. Senior Chrissy Harris led of with a solo homer to give the Owls some hope, but Washington pitcher Tia Bollinger retired the next three Temple batters and sealed the win, 4-3.
The Owls will prepare to play this coming weekend, March 1 and 2, at Erny Field against Princeton and Lehigh. Those games will remain scheduled and will be played, weather permitting.
