Temple University Athletics
Softball Drops Pair To Saint Bonaventure in Conference Home Opener
3.22.08 | Softball
March 22, 2008
AMBLER, PA - Before a large crowd of youngsters eagerly waiting to participate in the Temple softball clinic following the game, the Cherry and White fought hard but ultimately dropped a pair of Atlantic 10 conference games to Saint Bonaventure 1-0 and 3-1 from the Ambler Sports Complex Saturday afternoon.
Junior Courtney Norene blasted her team-high fifth home run of the season, but that was the only offense the Owls (5-8) could muster against St. Bonaventure's Sherri Thompson, who allowed just one run over 14 innings.
"The defense was there, the pitching was there at times, but the hitting was never quite there," said head coach Casey Dickson. "I still think that our team outworked them with our energy and spirit. We never let down, but we never made the adjustments at the plate."
The first contest was all about the pitching duel. Both Thompson and Temple senior Bri Dairy (3-3) were nearly un-hittable on the day, with Dairy allowing only three hits and one run in seven innings of work. The teams remained scoreless until the top of the seventh inning, when Saint Bonaventure's Kirstin Strong hit a sac fly to drive home Kara Morenus for the one and only run of the game. Sophomore Krystle Metzler, senior Anna Rico, junior Katie Budeaux, senior Teresa Bonavita and junior Chante' Pledyle all hit safely for the Cherry and White.
In the second game, the bats remained silent for the Cherry and White, as they connecting on only three hits for the game. With the Bonnies up 2-0 in the in sixth, Norene blasted a home run to bring the Owls within one. But in the top of the seventh, SBU's Brianna Bricker tripled and was later knocked home to make the score 3-1.
Burdeux (1-3) took the loss on the mound, while freshmen Amanda Branco pitched well in relief.
The Owls are back in on Tuesday, March 25 when they host Coppin State for a doubleheader. Play is scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m.
