Temple University Athletics
Softball Ends Season With 7-4 Extra Inning Victory Over Charlotte
5.3.08 | Softball
May 3, 2008
CHARLOTTE - Ending the season on a positive note, the Temple softball team scored three runs in the eighth inning to topple Atlantic 10 rival Charlotte 7-4 on Saturday afternoon. With the win, the Owls complete the sweep of the 49ers and finish the season with consecutive victories.
The Cherry and White offense was clicking on all cylinders all afternoon, pounding 49er pitching for 11 hits on the day. Senior Anna Rico, juniors Katie Burdeaux and Courtney Norene, and sophomore Krystle Metzler all had two hits to lead the offense against the Atlantic 10's third place team.
Norene, Metzler and Rico all added key hits in the eight to carry the Owls to victory. Norene started the inning with a lead-off single, which was followed by Metzler's single in the next at bat. Two batters later, Rico would hit a two-out single to score Norene for the go-ahead run. In the very next at bat, pinch-hitting freshman Sumer Ploskonka smacked a two-run double to pad the lead to 8-5 heading into the final half of the eight.
Ahead 3-2 heading into the seventh inning, freshman Sam Dungan came up with a clutch hit for a second consecutive day. Dungan led off the seventh with a double to deep enter field, advancing into scoring position to leadoff the inning. After advancing to third base after a Rico single, Dungan scored when fellow freshman Chelsea Reicher advanced on a shortshop error, giving the Owls a 4-2 lead.
Still, the Cherry and White were unable to hold on to the lead, as Charlotte picked up two runs on two hits in the bottom of the seventh to force extra innings.
Senior Brianna Dairy picked up her second consecutive victory as she took to the mound for the final time in the Cherry and White uniform. Dairy (7-7) worked two innings in relief of Katie Burdeaux, allowing tow earned runs and striking out two. Burdeaux struck out four in five innings of work. Emily Jeffery took the loss for the 49ers, striking out nine over six innings.
With the win, the Cherry and White conclude the 2008 season with a 15-24 record.
