Temple University Athletics
SOFTBALL DEFEATS MISSISSIPPI, PITTSBURGH, IMPROVES TO 3-1 AT SPEEEDLINE TOURNAMENT
3.8.03 | Softball
The Temple University softball team (4-5) defeated Mississippi and Pittsburgh today, March 7, to improve their record to three wins and one loss at the Speedline Tournament in Plant City, Florida. They are in a three-way tie for first place in their bracket with Pacific and Purdue, who also share three and one records at the tournament.
The Owls began the day with a 10 a.m. game against the University of Mississippi. Temple got on the board in the top of first when junior Katie Weigle singled and scored on errors by firstbaseman Aunnie Brahs and rightfielder Stacey McCommon. Mississippi answered in the bottom of the inning when centerfielder Jenny Cox singled and was moved to second on a single by Dede Justice. A wild pitch advanced both runners, and another single by Ole Miss third baseman Rebecca McIntire scored Cox from third. Temple catcher Alexis Gary put a stop to the Mississippi rally by throwing McIntire out at second base to end the inning.
The score remained even until Mississippi took a one run lead in the bottom of the third on two walks, a fielder's choice and a single.
Temple stayed down by one run until the fifth inning when Lauren Evans led off with a single. Jenny Cochran reached base on a fielder's choice after Evans was thrown out at second. A single by Jess Rohn put Cochran at second, and Katie Weigle reached first on an error, setting the Owls up with bases loaded and one out. A walk to Lynsey Grace scored Cochran, which was followed by a groundout to short that scored Rohn. Alexis Gary singled in another run, and a walk to Chrissy Harris scored the fourth run of the inning, before Mississippi finally put a stop to the Owls' attack.
The Rebels scored one run in the bottom of the fifth but could do no more damage, and the game ended with Temple on top by a score of five to three.
Freshman Vicky Grasham entered the game in the fourth inning and gave up only two hits in the remaining four innings, earning the decision. The win is Grasham's second of the season.
Temple was then scheduled for a 2 p.m. contest with the Pittsburgh Panthers. The Owls again took a quick lead in the top of the first when Jess Rohn and Katie Weigle crossed the plate. Pitt struggled with their bats and could only produce one run off of Temple pitcher Liz Naughton. Temple added one more run in the fifth, and the game ended with the Owls ahead, three to one. Vicky Grasham came in in relief and threw more solid innings for the Owls, earning the save for Liz Naugton, who tallied the win.
Temple remains in a three-way tie for first and will play tomorrow, March 8, at 10 a.m. against the Boilermakers of Purdue. The tournament quarterfinals will be held tomorrow, March 9, at 5 p.m. The result of tomorrow morning's games will determine tomorrow afternoon's schedule for the Owls.
