Temple University Athletics
TEMPLE CLOSES OUT INAUGURAL SEASON AT AMBLER FIELD WITH 2-1 COME-FROM-BEHIND WIN OVER DREXEL
4.28.04 | Softball
Temple, 22-14, was stymied for most of the game as the Dragons' junior hurler Liza Fuller held the Owls scoreless through six innings. Just one Temple base runner reached second base prior to the sixth as Fuller allowed only two infield singles through the first five innings.
Drexel, 15-27-2, picked up its lone run in the second inning. Third baseman Bri Brown reached first on an error by Temple second baseman Rohn to start the inning. Fuller then sacrificed her to second. Designated player Jonnae McClain singled through the left side with Brown holding at third base.
Temple starter Kim Watkins (8-1), the reigning A-10 Pitcher of the Week, struck out Bridget Flynn for the second out of the inning. Right fielder Eva Noelsch then delivered a single to left to put the Dragons ahead, 1-0.
Watkins then worked her way out of a two-on, one-out jam in the fifth, and struck out two batters with one-out and a runner on third in the sixth. On the day, she allowed seven hits while fanning nine batters.
The Owls started to hit Fuller finally in the sixth inning. Grace doubled to right with one out. Adrienne Repsher then singled her to third. Fuller, however, settled down and struck out Laura Gurscher and Lauren Evans to end the threat.
Makeala Compton, playing catcher in place of injured starter Alexis Gary, led off the seventh for Temple with a single up the middle. Aida Esquer attempted a sacrifice and first baseman Stephanie Graziosi's throw to second base was in the dirt, putting runners on second and third with no outs.
Fuller got Melissa McCartney to pop out to second for the first out of the inning. Lead-off hitter Katie Weigle drew a walk to load the bases. Then Rohn tied the game with a deep fly to right. Grace then fouled out to end the inning.
Grace, who started the eighth on second due to the speed-up rule, scored the game-winner on second baseman Krista VanWert's fielding error.
The Owls next play at Dayton on May 1 (11 a.m.).
