Temple University Athletics
Seniors Lead the Way As Softball Tops Dayton 6-4
4.25.09 | Softball
April 25, 2009
AMBLER, Pa. – On Senior Day for five members of the Temple softball team, it was fitting that each senior played a critical role in the Owls’ 6-4 over Dayton on Saturday afternoon from the Ambler Sports Complex.
Senior Nicole Lee blasted a solo home run, seniors Courtney Norene, Katie Burdeaux and Amanda Carver each knocked in a run, and senior Chante’ Pleydle scored the game-winning run, as the Owls took a major step towards a berth in the Atlantic 10 Tournament with the victory over the Flyers.
With the win, the Owls (12-22. 6-6) move into a tie with Saint Joseph’s for fifth place in the Atlantic 10 standings, while taking a major step toward securing a berth in the A-10 Tournament. The top six teams in the standings advance to the the Atlantic 10 Tournament.
Freshman Sarah Reynolds (5-6) picked up the victory for the Owls, tossing 3.1 innings while striking out four batters. Burdeaux entered the game in relief and picked up the long save, tossing 3.2 innings while not allowing an earned run. Reynolds has now won four consecutive decisions.
Following a pre-game ceremony to honor the five seniors, the Owls came charging right out the gate, scoring a run in each of the first two innings. An infield RBI single by sophomore Rachel Knable with the bases loaded scored the first run of the game in the first inning, while Norene knocked in a run on a fielder’s choice in the second, as the Owls built a 2-0 lead after two innings.
After Dayton tied the game on a two-run home by Lauren Nacke in the third inning, the Owls responded with three runs in the bottom of the third to take control of the game. Lee led off the inning with a solo home run, while Carver and freshman Jess Hirschbuhl knocked home runs, extending the Cherry and White lead to 5-2.
But the Flyers wouldn’t go away easily. The Flyers hit three consecutive doubles in the middle of the fourth, cutting the lead to 5-4.
The Owls would stick the final dagger in the pesky Flyers in the bottom of the sixth. Burdeaux lined a double into the left-center gap, scoring pinch-runner Chelsea Reicher to bring the score to the 6-4 final.
For the Owls, junior Krystle Metzler also hit safely, while Carver, Temple’s all-time steals leader, added two more swipes during the game.
The Owls step out of Atlantic 10 play when they travel to Iona for a non-conference doubleheader on Tuesday. Play is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.
