April 29, 2011 3:23 PM
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Softball
Principia College Athletics
Hopes of SLIAC championship were dashed last night for softball
Principia College Athletics
GREENVILLE, ILL. -- Principia's hopes of making Conference playoffs were dealt a fatal blow last night after losing both games of their double header against Greenville, 8-0 and 5-4. Prin needed a sweep of Greenville to keep their hopes alive. While game one was not well played by Prin, game two was and they proved again that they are now a very competitive team, one capable of playing with the good teams in the Conference.
In game one the team came out a little flat which considering the need to win two to keep their playoff hopes alive was a little disappointing. The offense never got going with the team only mustering two hits. Adjusting to what the pitcher was throwing did not happen in this game. The usually stalwart defense was also suspect making four errors and a couple of questionable fielder's choices that hurt. Most of Greenville's runs were unearned.
Christine Nacewicz and
Andie Raffles both were one for two at the plate.
Game two looked more like the Principia softball team we have been seeing lately. The sharp defense returned with some outstanding plays being made by
Alicia Girbes-Pierce,
Andie Raffles and
Jessy MacMullin. The game remained scoreless through four innings until Greenville pushed one run across in the fifth and sixth. Prin finally got their bats going and tied the game up with their final at bat forcing extra innings. In the eighth Greenville scored three runs, but Prin came back with their own runs in the bottom of the eighth. A base running miscue cost the team a run and at least a tie or possibly a win. Sometimes you have to learn the hard way.
One of the exciting things about this game was that Greenville brought in their ace (who pitched game one) to close game two, and Prin finally made adjustments to her pitching and hit her hard! Prin had the winning run in scoring position in the seventh and the tying run in the eighth. It was a very close and well played game for both teams.
Marina Whitney,
Casey Lee and
Jocelyn Shoemake all went one for three at the plate. Jocelyn had a walk and scored a run. Casey had a double, a walk, and an RBI. And finally, Marina had a walk, scored a run, and stole a base.
Christine Nacewicz had a two for three night with a walk and an RBI.
Andie Raffles was two for four with a double and two RBI's.
