April 26, 2009
Box Score
Game One: Lewis 1, Quincy 0 in PDF Format 
Game Two: Lewis 2, Quincy 1 in PDF Format
Romeoville, Ill. - There was a lot on the line for the Lewis University softball team on Sunday afternoon, as the Flyers sought to not only solidify their No. 7 ranking in the NCAA Division II Midwest Region poll, but were looking to improve upon their seeding in the upcoming Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament in East Peoria, Illinois.
The Flyers did both, as they earned the 1-0, 2-1 GLVC doubleheader sweep over Quincy University, who was ranked No. 9 in the Midwest Region, on `Senior Day' at the Lewis Softball Field.
"These were two big wins against a team that was ranked in the region," Lewis University head softball coach George DiMatteo said. "That will go a long way for us."
With the sweep, Lewis improves to 35-16 overall and 13-9 in GLVC play, while the visiting Hawks drop to 26-23 on the season and 15-6 in conference action.
DiMatteo enjoyed the fact that all eight of his senior players were able to see the field on Sunday.
"I was happy that all the seniors were able to play today for us, and they played well," DiMatteo said.
Two of those seniors, Courtney Lyons (San Pedro, Calif./San Pedro) and Julie Wingerter (Channahon, Ill./Minooka) were downright dominant in the circle for the Flyers, as they combined to hold the Hawks scoreless over 12 innings, while allowing six hits.
Lyons earned the complete-game shutout in Game One, allowing just three hits and struck out three batters to improve to 11-9 on the campaign, while Wingerter (8-4) tossed five innings of scoreless relief and retired 13 of the last 14 batters she faced in the nightcap.
The Flyers faced some stellar pitching of their own, as they faced potential GLVC Pitcher of the Year Torie Bunzell in the opener. Bunzell (20-11) went the distance and struck out nine batters, while only allowing one hit.
That hit, however, proved to be the difference as Lewis senior shortstop Kelly Dianis (Hinsdale, Ill./Hinsdale Central) drove in senior Brittany Patete (Lombard, Ill./Glenbard East) from second base with a RBI single in the bottom of the third inning.
"What a clutch hit from Dianis," DiMatteo said. "That's what a big hitter is supposed to do, and that's all that Courtney needed."
In the nightcap, Wingerter relieved Lewis starter Karissa Habel (Downers Grove, Ill./Downers Grove South) in the third inning with the score tied at one apiece. The Minooka grad allowed two hits in the third frame without any damage, and proceeded to shut down the Hawks for the rest of the game.
"Julie just pitched five knockdown innings for us," DiMatteo said. "She was just on fire and her and (catcher) Mary Giancarlo just kept the Quincy hitters off balance."
The Flyers scored the game-winning run in the bottom of the third inning, as Quincy starter Megan Corey loaded the bases with a pair of walks and an infield single with two outs. Corey (3-5) then uncorked a wild pitch, that allowed freshman Traci Frietag (Westmont, Ill./Hinsdale Central) to score from third base.
The Flyers have now qualified for the GLVC Softball Tournament next weekend in East Peoria, Illinois. Opponent and starting time are TBA.
A Catholic university sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis offers nearly 80 undergraduate majors and programs of study, accelerated degree completion options for working adults, various aviation programs and 22 graduate programs in nine fields. The 10th largest private, not-for-profit university in Illinois is being honored for the fifth consecutive year by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report. For more information please visit www.lewisu.edu.
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