St. John's University Athletics
St. John's University
UC Santa Barbara
St. John's Softball Splits With UC Santa Barbara
2/25/2008 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Feb. 25, 2008
Santa Barbara, Calif. - The Red Storm softball team squared off in a double-header against the Gauchos of UC Santa Barbara on Monday and picked up their first victory of the young season. In its first game, St. John's was downed by the Gauchos 11-2 in five innings, but the Red Storm was able to come back in the second game and win 6-4.
"The key to our first victory was getting a big hit when we really needed it," said head coach Amy Kvilhaug. "This can really open up our confidence level. We still need to clean some things up defensively, but playing with good pitching, solid defense and timely hitting at the same time will win games for us."
In the first game of the double-header, UCSB was able to jump out to an early 4-0 lead in the first inning and held it for the rest of the game. St. John's got on the board in the second inning when senior co-captain Bionka King singled to score Brandy Reyes. A bases loaded hit-by-pitch by freshman Chelsea Durning scored Lisa Geer, but that was as close as the Red Storm would get.
With its back against the wall in the final game the Red Storm would play against the Gauchos this season; St. John's was able to come back in the top of the sixth inning trailing 4-1 with two outs. The bases were loaded when senior shortstop and co-captain Danielle Estrada doubled to right center, clearing the bases and tying the game at 4.
In the seventh, the Red Storm loaded the bases again when freshman third baseman Kacee Cox singled up the middle after a walk by King and a reach on error by Durning. King would score on the next pitch and give the Red Storm a one run lead when UCSB's catcher could not corral a wild pitch from Lindsey Correa. Sophomore catcher Reyes was the next batter up, and delivered with a sacrifice shot to deep left that scored Durning, giving the Red Storm a two run lead.
Freshman starter Kat Lawrence was able to work her way out of trouble in the bottom of the seventh, securing the victory for St. John's and giving the team some momentum as they continue its 10 game California road trip. Reyes capped off a terrific day going 4-for-5 with a run, an RBI and a stolen base. Lead-off hitter King also had a great day going 2-for-5 with 2 runs, an RBI and two stolen bases.
The Red Storm now travels to Long Beach, Calif. to take on Long Beach State in a double-header scheduled for 1 p.m. (P.T.). For the most up to date scores, stats and schedules, visit www.RedStormSports.com.
