Temple University Athletics
SOFTBALL SNAPS SEVEN-YEAR LOSING STREAK AGAINST NINE-TIME DEFENDING A-10 CHAMPS UMASS
4.25.04 | Softball
Senior Lynsey Grace powered the Owls' offense as she drove in both runs in the second game to lead the Owls to their first victory against UMass since April 19, 1997. The Owls posted their first run of the game in the third inning. Sophomore Jessica Rohn positioned herself in scoring postion as she reached first on fielder's choice, stole second, and advanced to third on passed ball. With Rohn on third, Grace singled to centerfield to drive in the first run of the game.
Before UMass could answer back, the Cherry and White added another run in the fifth. After reaching first on a fielder's choice, senior Katie Weigle advanced to third on two consecutive wild pitches by UMass hurler Jenna Busa. At the plate Rohn weathered Busa's wild pitches and walked. With runners on first and third, Grace singled to centerfield, sending Weigle across the plate for the Owls second run of the game.
UMass's Hilary Puglia attempted to initiate a scoring rally in the top of the sixth as she sent a solo home run over the fence with no outs in the inning. Temple's defensive unit remained ruthless, allowing no hits the remainder of the inning.
Senior Kim Watkins struck out four batters and allowed no earned runs in the winning effort. Watkins upped her record to 7-1. Freshman Richelle Villescas picked up her second save of the season, as she pitched three innings in relief.
Despite a strong start in the first game of the twinbill, the Owls fell 8-6. Temple shocked the Minutewomen by scoring five runs in its first at-bat. Weigle led off the inning with a walk. Rohn followed with a single to centerfield. On a Grace sacrifice bunt, Weigle and Rohn advanced into scoring position. Freshman Adrienne Repsher singled to rightfield to drive in the first run of the game. The next batter, senior Alexis Gary, drove in Temple's second run with a single. Junior Laura Gutscher capped the inning with a three-run homer to centerfield.
A Pam Sulick solo home run in the second followed by four runs in the third allowed UMass to even the score. Candice Molinari drove in one run with an RBI single in the fourth. With two runners in scoring position, Katie Jo Kelley blasted a three-run homer to left field.
The Owls went ahead in the bottom of the third as Repsher scored an unearned run, resulting from a UMass throwing error.
Denise Denis reclaimed the lead for UMass in the fourth by doubling to rightfield and sending two base runners home.
Following a lengthy rain delay, Kelly scored the Minutewomen's final run by sending a ball off the tip of Temple third baseman Melissa McCartney's glove and down the left field line for an RBI double.
Villescas (11-10) took the loss for the Owls. Kelli Arnold earned the win for UMass.
The Owls play a single game against Drexel at the Ambler Softball Field on Wednesday, April 28 at 4:00 p.m.
