April 14, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Hannah Shalett
(203) 417-3222
Softball Earns Split with Walk-Off Homerun
Northampton, MA: The Pioneers split a doubleheader with New England Women's and Men's Conference (NEWMAC) opponent Clark. Smith won the first game with a 2 run walk off homerun in the bottom of the 8th inning by Megan Kiefer (Oak Park, IL) for a final score of 5-3. Clark won the second game with a score of 8-4. With the split, the Pioneers raise their record to 9-17 on the year and 3-9 in conference. Clark's record now stands at 17-9 and 7-5 in the conference.
In the first game, the Pioneers jumped out to an early 2 run lead in the bottom of the first inning. Clark scored single runs in their half of the second and third innings to tie the score. Smith got back on the board with a run in the fourth. Clark then was able tie it in the top of the 7th inning with a single run.
In the 8th inning, Clark started with a runner on second due to the international tie breaker rule. The Cougars loaded the bases but were unable to score, due in large part to a double play turned by the Pioneers, with short stop Kate Schoenen (Ellicott City, MD) throwing home for a force and catcher Taryn Pestalozzi (Troutdale, OR) making the quick transfer and throw to get the runner at first.
In the bottom of the 8th inning the Pioneers won the game on a walk off, two run blast by Kiefer, her third on the season. In the circle, Emily Hiltzik (Westbury, NY) started for Smith allowing 2 runs over 4 innings of work while giving up only 5 hits. Dee Fisher (Phoenix, AZ) then entered the game throwing the final four frames allowing one run on 4 hits while striking out three batters for the win.
Offensively, Erin Quinn (Northbrook, IL) was 2-3 with an RBI and a run scored. Additionally, Hiltzik also had an RBI while going 1-3.
Kiefer began the second game with a solo blast to centerfield, giving her two homeruns on the day. The Pioneers were held scoreless after that shot until the bottom of the 7th inning when they added three runs. Meanwhile, the Cougars scored 8 runs on 11 hits for the 8-4 victory. Hiltzik again started for the Pioneers but was only able to go 1.1 innings, giving up 4 earned runs, while earning the loss. Fisher pitched the final 5.2 innings allowing 4 runs on 7 hits.
Offensively, Crystal Fryer (Louisville, KY) led the Pioneers going 4-4 with a run scored. Schoenen went 2-4 with an RBI and a run scored. Additionally, Jessie Paull (Mercer Island, WA) went 2-3 with a walk.
The Pioneers return to action Wednesday as they travel to Amherst for a non-conference doubleheader beginning at 4 pm.
