Temple University Athletics
ST. BONAVENTURE SWEEPS TEMPLE IN A-10 SOFTBALL OPENER
3.26.05 | Softball
AMBLER, PA -- Temple opened defense of its Atlantic 10 Conference softball title Saturday afternoon against St. Bonaventure. After being swept by the Bonnies, who entered play with a 1-14 record, head coach Rocci Pignoli realizes his young Owls still have much work to do if they play on repeating as conference champs.
In the first game of the twinbill, seniors Aida Esquer and Laura Gutscher each hit solo homers but the Owls would only muster one more hit -- a Lauren Evans single -- in falling 4-2. Lauren Krieger had two hits and two runs scored for the Bonnies while Brittany Bonneto delivered a pinch-hit two-run single in the top of the sixth to drive in the game-winning runs.
Sophomore Richelle Villescas (9-10) allowed eight hits and three earned runs in taking the loss for Temple. Christine Keleher went the distance for the Bonnies (3-14, 2-0), striking out four while walking one.
Sophomore Adrienne Repsher provided all the offense for Temple in the second game, belting a three-run homer, her third round-tripper of the season, in the first inning. That tied the score as the Bonnies scored three in the top half of the first off starter Jen Nacianceno (0-4). Temple and Nacianceno were hurt by porous defense as the Owls committed six errors in the contest, three by Evans at third base.
First baseman Kristen Dodson was the Bonnies offense star, scoring three times and driving in a run. Designated player Laurie Stone had two hits and drove in two runs for SBU while freshman Brianna Bricker went the distance, allowing just three hits.
Nacianceno allowed seven runs, just four earned, in her four innings of work. She struck out six. Villescas allowed one earned run in three innings of relief while fanning two.
Temple (9-17, 0-2) next hosts St, Francis (NY) on Wednesday (3:00 p.m.).
