Temple University Athletics
SOFTBALL TO FACE MASSACHUSETTS TOMORROW FOR RIGHTS TO A-10 TITLE
5.9.03 | Softball
The Owls began the day with a 2-1 loss to Massachusetts, in a very close, well-played game by both teams. Massachusetts shortstop and Atlantic 10 Player of the Year Emily Robustelli led the game off with a home run on the first pitch thrown by Temple starter Vicky Grasham (Tucson, AZ/Salpointe). Grasham, however, remained solid from that point on.
The Owls evened the game in the top of the third inning. Hits by Aida Esquer (Chula Vista, CA/Bonita Vista), Lauren Evans (Mission Viejo, CA/Capistrano Valley), and Jess Rohn (Nazareth, PA/Nazareth) loaded the bases for Temple, and a walk to Katie Weigle (Naples, FL/Naples) tied the game at one.
The game was locked at one run apiece through six and one half innings. In the bottom of the seventh inning with one out, Emily Robustelli drove a pitch into the right field gap for a double. Hilary Puglia flied out to right field, and Robustelli advanced to third. The Owls, with first and second base open, intentionally walked Brandi Cross and Kaila Holtz to face freshman Katie Jo Kelley. Kelley took the first pitch into shallow center, which scored Robustelli from third and ended the Owls' hopes of an upset.
With the loss, the Owls faced St. Joseph's, who eliminated Fordham in a 2 p.m. game. The Owls easily defeated the Hawks, 6-0, behind the strong pitching of senior Liz Naughton (Olyphant, PA/Mid-Valley). The Owls scored runs in the first, second, fourth and sixth innings, and St. Joseph's never threatened during the game.
The Owls will face the Minutewomen tomorrow at noon for the Atlantic 10 title. Should the Owls win the first game, they will need to defeat Massachusetts a second time to claim the tournament championship.
