Temple University Athletics
TEMPLE SOFTBALL FALLS TO VIRGINIA, 5-4
2.19.05 | Softball
CHARLOTTE, NC -- The Temple softball team jumped out early, taking a 4-0 lead over Virginia entering the bottom half of the second inning. The Cavaliers regrouped, however, tying the game over the next two frames en route to a 5-4 come-from-behind win over the Owls in the Cherry and White's second game Saturday afternoon of the Holiday Inn Green and White Tournament hosted by the University of Charlotte Saturday afternoon.
After being pummeled by Kent State, 12-1, earlier in the day, the Owls scored three first inning runs against the Cavaliers. Adrienne Repsher, who homered in the first game, doubled home Amanda Carver, who led off the game with a walk, for the first Owl run. Aida Esquer then roped a two-out, two-run single, scoring Lauren Evans, who had singled, and Repsher.
Carver drew a two-out walk in the top of the second and then stole second. Freshman Brittany Burks singled to bring her home with Temple's fourth run. Then the Owls defense came unglued. An error by Burks in center led to an unearned run in the bottom of the second as the Cavaliers scored twice off freshman hurler Cara L'Etoile to cut the deficit to 4-2.
Junior Sara Larquier provided the big blows for UVA. Her two run double in the bottom of the third tied the contest and then her two-out triple to right in the bottom of the fifth drove in Jessica Taylor with the game-winning run.
The Owls had their chances in the second as Carver led off with a single to short, reaching second via a throwing error. Burks reached next on a fielder's choice, putting runners on first and second with no one out. Pinch hitter Makeala Compton grounded into a fielder's choice, with Carver out at third. Shawn Casey came in to pinch run for Compton. Repsher grounded out to second base with both runners moving up. Laura Gutscher then popped up to second to end the contest.
Sophomore Richelle Villescas (2-4) took the loss in relief for the Owls. L'Etoile pitched the first three innings, allowing four hits and four runs, but only one earned run.
Sophomore Coty Tolar recorded the win for Virginia.
It marked the second one-run loss to Virginia by the Owls. Temple fell 3-2 in eight innings last week at the Triangle Classic.
Temple (2-5) takes on host Charlotte at 11 am Sunday.
