St. John's University Athletics
St. John's University
Pittsburgh
St. John's Sweeps Pittsburgh In BIG EAST Doubleheader
3/29/2009 12:00:00 AM | Softball
March 29, 2009
QUEENS, N.Y. - The St. John's softball team (14-13, 4-4) continued its BIG EAST weekend against the Pittsburgh Panthers (14-13, 2-4) and swept the doubleheader, 3-2 and 2-1.
"We quality starting pitching in both games and really built off a win over the No. 14 team in the country," said head coach Amy Kvilhaug. "Kat [Lawrence] was strong for us in game two and we made less mistakes which led to us winning more innings. We are in a good place in the conference as we continue to progress."
St. John's came out hot in game as sophomore Chelsea Durning doubled to leadoff the home half of the first inning and was followed by a walk from senior Roxy Struble that gave the Red Storm two on. Catcher Kacee Cox took care of the rest when she blasted a pitch to left center for her fourth home run of the season and put STJ up 3-0.Cox
Pittsburgh got a solo home run from third baseman Ciera Damon in the top of the fourth inning and an RBI double catcher Sam Card to cut the STJ lead to 3-2.
Pittsburgh threatened in the top of the sixth inning as the Panthers got runners on second and third with just one out. Sophomore starter Linzee Sumrall was able to work through the Pitt lineup, striking out the next batter and induced a groundout to third baseman Julia Sanchez to preserve the Red Storm advantage.
Sumrall finished with for her 13th complete game of the season and struck out eight batters while scattering five hits.
Game two started much like game one as St. John's got home run in the first frame. This time the bomb came from Struble as she sent a pitch over the fence that actually hit the scoreboard in leftfield.
The Red Storm added to its lead in the bottom of the fourth inning. After redshirt freshman Erin Harris reached on an error, pinch-runner Shannan Valentin advanced to second base on a single from freshman Jenna Berger. Valentin then stole third and later crossed the plate on an RBI groundout from senior Melissa Pilley which put STJ up by two.
Sophomore pitcher Kat Lawrence took a no-hitter into the fifth inning but gave up a single to start the fifth frame. Lawrence was un-rattled, as she retired the next three batters to keep STJ up, 2-0.
Pittsburgh got on the board in the top of the sixth inning on back-to-back doubles by Reba Tutt and Sam Card. Lawrence remained unfazed as retired induced a pop-out to get St. John's out of the inning and then closed the door in the seventh, setting the side down in order.
Lawrence finished with a complete game three-hitter and struck out seven batters.
St. John's ends its seven-game homestand with a non-conference tilt vs. Fordham on Wednesday, April 1. The April Fools Day doubleheader begins at 3 p.m. at Red Storm Field.
If you would like to receive the most up-to-date information on the 2008-09 St. John's softball team, please send your e-mail address to michael.gambardella03@stjohns.edu.
