Temple University Athletics
Norene Becomes All-Time Home Run Leader as Owls Sweep Rams
4.11.08 | Softball
April 11, 2008
Kingston, R.I. -. In dramatic fashion, junior Courtney Norene became Temple softball's all-time home run leader, as she blasted the 22nd home run of her career in the seventh inning of the second game against Rhode Island to lead the Cherry and White to a 1-0 victory Friday afternoon. With the home run, Norene passed former teammate Adrienne Repsher's record of 21 home runs set just last season
Norene's game-winning blast in game two was just latest in a series of final inning victories for the cardiac Owls (13-12, 3-5) this week. Earlier in the day, junior Katie Burdeuax doubled in senior Anna Rico to break a 2-2 tie in the seventh inning to lead the Cherry and White to a 3-2 victory in the first part of the crucial Atlantic 10 road sweep of Rhode Island (12-24, 2-8).
The Owls, on a season-high five-game winning streak, have now won four consecutive games by one run and four consecutive games in the final inning.
In the first game, the Cherry and White bats got off to a hot start following the long trip to Rhode Island. Senior Teresa Bonavita hit a two-run home run in the first inning to give the Owls an early 2-0 lead. Bonavita would later add two more hits to lead the Cherry and White at the plate.
Behind a great pitching performance from senior Brianna Dairy, the Owls held on to the lead until the fifth, when URI's Leah DiBussolo hit a two-RBI single to tie the game at 2-2.
But the final inning belonged the Owls once again, as Burdeuax's double knocked in Rico and the Owls were able to hang on the for the 3-2 win.
Burdeaux (5-4) picked up the victory, working two scoreless inning of relief. Dairy pitched solidly for the first five innings, allowing only two runs and striking out three.
In the second game, it was the dominant pitching of Burdeuax again that kept the Owls in the game until Norene could win it in the seventh. Burbeaux pitched seven scoreless innings, allowing only one hit and striking out five. For the day, Burbeaux pitched nine scoreless innings.
Burdeaux also got it done at the plate in the second game, adding two hits to her impressive day.
The streaking Owls now must head to conference leader Umass for a doubleheader on Sunday afternoon. Action is slated to begin at noon.
