Temple University Athletics
Sam Houston State Tops Softball in Final Game of Texas A&M Invitational
2.24.08 | Softball
Feb. 24, 2008
COLLEGE STATION, TX. - Looking to leave Texas with a winning record, the Temple softball team fell just short of its goal, losing to Sam Houston State 5-0 in the finale of the Texas A&M Invitational. With the defeat, the Owls finished 2-3 for the weekend and 4-6 in the two season opening tournaments.
The Owls had their chances to get into the game against the Bearkats, but the Cherry and White stranded six runners in the shutout loss. San Houston State broke the game opening in the middle innings, scoring three runs in the third and two runs in the fourth for the victory. SHS's Whitney Wilson went 3-4 to lead the Bearkats to victory.
"It goes to show you that have to bring on your "A" game everytime," said head coach Casey Dickson about the loss. "We spoke to the team on Saturday night about putting the hits together, but today we still couldn't put the pieces together".
Sophomore Katie Burdeaux led the offensive attack for the Cherry and White, collecting a double and single for the game. Senior Anna Rico also added a double. Senior Natalie Wagner and Chante' Pleydle also hit safely for the Owls.
Senior Brianna Dairy (3-2) took the loss for the Cherry and White, allowing two runs on seven hits in three and a third innings of work. Burdeaux came in to work in relief, striking out two and allowing no earned runs in two innings. Errors came back to haunt the Cherry and White once again, as two costly errors allowed three unearned runs to come home.
Despite the defeat, Dickson is happy with the team's overall performance in the early part of the season and thinks the Owls can achieve even greater success.
"The last two weekends have provided some very tough competition. I'm pleased with the wins, but we can do better," said Dickson. "We just needed a few more timely hits and some of the substitutes to rise to the occasion. I just wish we could play some more with the great weather we had in Texas. In the next three weeks we have work to do before our home opener".
The Owls will take a much deserved break and return to action on Tuesday, March 18th, when they host Delaware State in the home opening doubleheader from the Ambler Sports Complex.
