UB Softball Splits Opening Series at Sleep Inn Classic

DENTON, TX – The University at Buffalo softball team opened its 2010 campaign at the Sleep Inn Classic hosted by North Texas this afternoon, falling to the Drake Bulldogs in game one, 5-0, but bounced back to defeat Missouri State, 1-0, in the nightcap.

Five Buffalo freshmen got the first start of their collegiate careers as Ashley Bertot, Taylor Franich, Jessica Griffin, Alyssa Ward and Andi Saucier all took the field in Blue and White for the first time.

Terese Diaz

Sophomore Terese Diaz got the start on the mound in game one, stranding five Bulldog runners on base in the first two innings, however Drake was still able to get the first run of the game in the bottom of the second inning. The Bulls got their first hit in the top of the fifth inning with senior Sharon Barr hitting a double to left field. The Bulls also had hits from Kristen Gallipani and Kristin Waldron in each of the final innings, but could not get on the board. The Bulldogs scored the remainder of their runs in the fourth inning to seal the win.

Taylor Franich

In game two, the Bulls rebounded to defeat Missouri State, 1-0, in dramatic fashion. The first six innings went uncontested for both teams, but Missouri State gave the Bulls a scare in the top of the sixth inning. With two outs and a pinch hitter up to bat, the Bears' Alaina Burkahrt tripled to right center, with the ball sneaking by Buffalo centerfielder, Franich. The Missouri State batter attempted to make the play an inside the park home run, but was stopped short by the freshman center fielder. In her first day of collegiate play, Franich lobbed the ball to home plate, where Waldron made the play at the plate to prevent the score. The Bulls held the Bears in the seventh to set up a dramatic final inning. Griffin started the inning off with a line drive to center field. Dominique Carcone came in to pinch run and was sent to second base on a sacrifice bunt from Alex Bejarano. With Carcone on second, Candice Sheehangrounded to the pitcher, who attempted to throw out Carcone at third, but overthrew the play, sending Carcone home for the winning run. Barr pitched the complete game for Buffalo, earning her first shutout of the season, striking out six batters.

The Bulls continue play at the Sleep Inn Classic tomorrow afternoon when they take on Arkansas at 1:30 pm, followed by a game against host North Texas at 6:30 pm.