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Softball Splits Shutouts At Vermont
April 16, 2005
Burlington, Vt. - The University of Maine softball team split shutouts in a doubleheader against Vermont at Post Field. Vermont took game one 3-0 before the Black Bears bounced back to win game two 2-0. With the split Maine is now 10-18 overall on the season and 5-2 in America East action. In game one, Vermont opened the scoring in the bottom half of the third inning, platting two runs on a pair of hits and a Maine miscue. With two outs Gillian Rappaport was the first Catamount to reach base on the afternoon after being hit by a pitch. Lead off hitter Kate Haber then singled up the middle, as the ball caromed off the second baseman's glove and into centerfield Rappaport motored to third. A throwing error on the play would then allow Rappaport to score with Haber winding up at third base. Christine Toomey then brought in Haber with a single to left and make it 2-0. The Catamounts added an insurance run in the sixth, as Toomey led off the inning with an infield single and moved to second on a bunt by sophomore Kate DeForge. Kate Ramsey followed with a hit to the shortstop, who tried to get Toomey at third base, but a Maine error allowed her to come in and score. Aimee Kern went the distance on the mound, scattering four hits while only walking one. Sarah Bennis (Pownal, Maine) took the loss on the mound for Maine, giving up four hits and three unearned runs. Maine jumped out on top 1-0 in the second game, scoring in the top half of the second inning. Jenna Merchant (Sandy, Utah) led off the inning with a single up the middle and was followed by Erin Provost (Peru, N.Y.) who hit into what looked to be a fielder's choice. The Catamounts tried to get Merchant at second base, but she was safe and both Maine runners then caught the Vermont infield off guard and each advanced a base. With one out Merchant came in from third on a wild pitch for the Black Bears only run in the frame.
Merchant helped make it 2-0 for Maine in the fourth, as with one out she reached on an error. With two outs Marguerite Soule (Pepperell, Maine) reached on an infield single and Merchant's aggressive base running caused Vermont to throw the ball away and allowed her to score. Merchant picked up the win after only allowing three hits and striking out four, improving to 2-2 on the season. Sara Burke took the loss for the Catamounts. Maine and Vermont meet again on Sunday, wrapping up a three-game set at noon. Next weekend the Black Bears will host Albany for a three-game series at Kessock Field beginning Saturday, April 23 at noon. For more information about University of Maine Athletics, visit www.GoBlackBears.com. |
