Temple University Athletics
Wagner's Late Home Run Secures Non-Conference Split At Villanova
5.1.07 | Softball
May 1, 2007
VILLANOVA, PA - With the score knotted at two runs apiece, junior Natalie Wagner's lead-off seventh inning solo home run secured Temple's 3-2 game one win at Villanova on Tuesday afternoon. Wagner, in addition to scoring two runs, and sophomore Courtney Norene collected a game-high two hits in the win.
Behind junior pitcher Nicci Ward's complete game effort, the Wildcats captured game two, 5-1.
In game one, freshman pitcher Ashley Smuda, making her first start since April 22 vs. Rhode Island, collected her sixth complete game of the season. The right-hander scattered five hits and allowed two runs, none earned, while striking out six.
Through five innings, Smuda kept the Wildcats off the scoreboard while holding a two-run Temple lead in tact. However, senior Cassie Koenig's lead-off single ignited a two-run, game-tying frame, behind three hits and one Cherry and White miscue, from the hosts.
Before Wagner quickly erased the Villanova comeback bid for a win, the Owls struck early with two tallies in the first inning. With the sacks packed and nobody out, sophomore Katie Burdeaux's sacrifice fly scored Wagner. Two batters later, Norene, assuming a new role in second-year head coach Casey Dickson's sixth spot in the lineup, sent a run-scoring single into centerfield.
Wagner and Norene each collected two hits for the Cherry and White in game one.
The Temple (16-18, 8-6) offensive attack, ranked first in the Atlantic 10 heading into the week, turned fruitless in game two as Ward struck out seven while allowing one earned run and just two hits.
Freshman Krystle Metzler posted the Owls' lone run with a long-ball in the top half of the seventh inning, her fourth of the season. Junior Brianna Dairy, in the designated player role, tallied the team's other hit, the first of her Temple career.
Smuda started game two, but lasted just two innings while surrendering three hits and one earned run. In relief, Dairy tossed four innings while allowing six hits, three earned runs and striking out two Wildcats.
Villanova's (25-27-1, 5-13) Lisa Curran tallied two hits and two runs in the nightcap.
The Owls will conclude their Atlantic 10 regular season schedule on Sunday, May 6 in a doubleheader at St. Bonaventure. The first pitch of game one is scheduled for noon.
