From NYU Athletics
The New York University softball team, playing in only its second season as a varsity program, defeated Case Western Reserve University 3-1 at the University Athletic Association (UAA) Championship in Altamonte Springs, FL, on Tuesday, March 9. The victory was NYU's first varsity win in UAA competition after going 0-10 at the 2015 Championship.
Olivia Mould picked up the historic victory for the Violets (2-3, 1-0 UAA), going six innings and allowing only one earned run. She gave up seven hits, struck out one and did not issue a walk.
Karissa Zubulake pitched a scoreless seventh inning, striking out one batter and allowing one hit to pick up the save.
"We have several pitchers who are interchangable, depending on the opponent," said Head Coach Now-Allah James. "Olivia pitched a great game and then we brought in Karissa to show Case something different."
The Violets scored all of their runs in the bottom of the fifth after Case (5-6, 0-1) pushed one across in the top of the frame.
Sydni Holtz led off the NYU rally with a single before pinch runner Dakota Damiani was sacrificed to second. Carina Sturm singled to second, advancing Damiani to third. Sturm then stole second with the throw going into centerfield and Damiani scoring on the play. Marissa Bella followed with a single, Sturm moving to third. Then, after Bella stole second, Diana King doubled to right center to knock in both runners and provide the winning margin.
Terrific defense was also on display by the Violets, as third baseman Molly Webber made several diving stops and pinpoint throws to nail would-be baserunners. She finished with six assists and three putouts.
"Timely hitting and great defense wins ballgames," James said. "We executed both of those things today."
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Rachel Fulton also had a hit for the Violets.
- NYU pitchers stranded eight Spartan baserunners.
- There were no walks allowed by either team's pitchers.
"I'm extremely happy for our returning players to be able to secure that first UAA win," James added. "It's something for them and for our new players to build on."