Temple University Athletics
Owls' Offense Silenced In 5-1 Loss To UMass
4.20.07 | Softball
April 20, 2007
AMBLER, PA - The Temple softball team's five-game win streak came to an end Friday afternoon following a 5-1 loss to Atlantic 10 front-running Massachusetts. Despite suffering the loss, Owls freshman pitcher Ashley Smuda went the distance while allowing seven hits and striking out three.
Minutewomen ace Brandice Balschmiter also tossed a complete game while striking out six and allowing just three hits.
"Something in our offensive approach definitely changed today," asserted first-year head coach Casey Dickson. "But, we'll take what we learned today and look to get after it early in the game tomorrow."
One of the three hits surrendered by Balschmiter was a seventh-inning home run to senior Adrienne Repsher. The long-ball was Repsher's 12th of the season and sixth in the last six outings.
The Cherry and White looked to be mounting a rally, trailing three runs in the bottom half of the fourth, after junior Natalie Wagner's lead-off, infield single. However, Balschmiter dodged potential trouble after Temple senior Jessica Rohn sliced a line-drive into rightfield that was snared by Sam Salato.
Freshman catcher Krystle Metzler collected the other hit for the Owls.
The Minutewomen, winners of 11 straight entering the contest, took advantage of an early Temple error by tallying an unearned run in the first inning. Three innings later, UMass extended their lead to three runs on two hits. Freshman Whitney Williams ignited the visitor's offensive charge with a triple.
UMass added two insurance runs in the seventh with the help of a bases-loaded single off the bat of Amanda Acampora.
The Cherry and White will look to rebound against the Minutewomen on Saturday at noon. As part of Temple's annual Cherry and White Day, the first 50 softball fans in attendance will receive a free hot dog. Also, following the game, the Owls softball team will plant a tree, on the hill above and behind the home plate area, as part of a dedication ceremony honoring late head coach Rocci Pignoli.
