Temple University Athletics
SOFTBALL DEFEATS NINE-TIME DEFENDING CHAMPS UMASS TO ADVANCE TO A-10 CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL
5.14.04 | Softball
Freshman hurler Richelle Villescas (15-11) pitched a strong and consistent game as she handed UMass its second straight home loss. Earlier in the day Saint Joseph's defeated UMass, 3-0, to snap the nation's longest home win streak at 73 games. The back-to-back losses were the first by UMass in the history of the UMass Softball Complex.
Casting away any trace of youth, Villescas pitched like a seasoned veteran as she withstood a UMass rally in the bottom of the seventh. With the winning run on first, Villescas forced a pop fly to centerfielder Lynsey Grace for the final out of the inning. In seven innings on the mound, Villescas gave up only one earned run.
The Owls took a 3-0 lead in the top of the first and held it throughout the game. UMass pitcher Jenna Busa hit Temple leadoff batter Katie Weigle to start the game. Following a Jessica Rohn strike out, Grace laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance Weigle. An Adrienne Repsher walk put runners on first and second for the Owls. Alexis Gary then sent Weigle across the plate for the Owls' first run of the game with a RBI single to center. UMass third baseman KJ Kelley overthrew first on grounder by Laura Gutscher, allowing Repsher and Gary to add two additional Temple runs in the frame.
The Minutewomen answered back in the bottom of the inning as they scored two runs. The first UMass run resulted directly from two Temple errors. UMass's Hilary Puglia reached on an error by Repsher at first base. Candice Molinari advanced to third and scored Puglia on a Melissa McCartney throwing error from third base. Denise Denis tripled to score Molinari. Temple worked its way out of the inning as shortstop Aida Esquer threw Molinari out at the plate and UMass's Kristi Stephanoni grounded out.
With two outs in the top of the second inning, Katie Weigle singled to the pitcher. One of the quickest Owls, Weigle beat the throw to first to keep Temple alive. Jessica Rohn followed with a double, allowing Weigle to utilize her speed and make it home to lift the Owls to a 4-2 lead.
Temple held strong defensively throughout the remainder to the game and allowed the Minutewomen only one more run in the bottom of the seventh.
Temple opened play in the consolation bracket with a 1-0 win over Fordham. Atlantic 10 Pitcher of the Year Kim Watkins (11-1) gave up just a third inning single hit in the winning effort. Villescas entered the game in relief in the seventh to notche her third save.
Temple scored the only run of the game in the sixth inning on a controversial play at home plate, which resulted in the ejection of Fordham's assistant coach Marc Della Volpe. Designated player Makeala Compton led off the inning with single to left. Nicole Undercuffler entered the game as a pinch runner. Undercuffler sprinted around the bases and slid home to score the game-winning run on a Katie Weigle hit.
Temple will now have to defeat Saint Joseph's twice tomorrow to win the A-10 title and advance to its first-ever NCAA Tournament. SJU will need only one win to capture its first A-10 title.
