May 2, 2010

GM 1 Box Score
GM 2 Box Score

GM 1 Box Score in PDF Format
GM 2 Box Score in PDF Format

Romeoville, Ill. - The Lewis University Softball team knew that it was of the utmost importance to win the second game of their doubleheader against Rockhurst, after losing the opener, 3-1, in nine innings, or risk falling to fourth place in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.

Knowing what was on the line, the Flyers responded with a six-run outburst in the nightcap, led by two RBI apiece from freshman shortstop Michelle Vucsko (Chicago, Ill./Marist) and sophomore designated player Mary Giancarlo (Plainfield, Ill./Plainfield South) on their way to the 6-1 win at Lewis Softball Field, clinching third place in the GLVC.

With the split, Lewis moves to 33-15 on the season and finishes the GLVC campaign at 20-8. Rockhurst ends the season with an overall record of 11-33 and a mark of 4-24 in the GLVC.

"We struggled in the first game," Lewis head softball coach George DiMatteo said. "We had a lot of hits, but we just couldn't bring them home. In the second game, however, it was nice to see us string together some hits. I feel much better now about our scoring production heading into the GLVC Tournament."

In the win, Vucsko went 2-for-4 with two RBI and a run scored, while freshman Alexis Munaco (Bloomingdale, Ill./Lake Park) added a pair of doubles and a RBI for Lewis. Flyer left fielder Katie Healy (Homewood, Ill./Marian Catholic) went 2-for-3 at the dish with a run scored.

Lewis sophomore pitcher Karissa Habel (Downers Grove, Ill./Downers Grove South) picked up the complete-game win, as she allowed just one run and three hits to improve to 16-7 on the season. Rockhurst starting pitcher Mariah Glasscock (2-9) took the loss for the Hawks, as she gave up three runs, four hits and walked three batters in three innings of work.

The opening contest was a defensive struggle, as both teams were scoreless after seven innings.

Rockhurst shortstop Natalie Johnson was the first player to strike paydirt, as she put the Hawks ahead, 1-0, with a RBI fielders choice in the eighth inning.

The Flyers would even up the score up in the bottom half of the frame, as Vucsko roped a double to score Jayme Hefler (Glen Ellyn, Ill./Glenbard West) from second base.

Johnson, however, would put the game away for the Hawks, as she belted a two-run, game winning double off of Lewis starter Diana Pickrum (Oak Forest, Ill./Oak Forest) in the ninth inning.

Pickrum (8-4), in her first start since April 11th, took the complete-game loss for the Flyers, allowing three runs and five hits while striking out five batters. Rockhurst winning pitcher Kayla Hoyer (8-15) allowed one run and scattered 10 hits and struck out three batters.

Giancarlo led the Flyers offensively in the opener, as she went 3-for-4. In all, Lewis left eight runners on base, seven of which were stranded in scoring position.

The Flyers will take on Missouri S&T (26-21) in the first game of the GLVC Softball Tournament at 12 PM (CST) on Friday, May 7th at the Eastside Centre in East Peoria, Illinois.

A Catholic university sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis offers more than 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 ninth largest private, not-for-profit university in Illinois is being honored for the sixth consecutive year by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report. Please visit www.lewisu.edu for more information.

##LEWIS##