From NYU Athletics

Allyson Schmus' two-run single in the top of the seventh broke a 3-3 tie and led the New York University softball team to a 5-3 win over the University of Rochester on Thursday, March, 10, in the University Athletic Association (UAA) Championship at the Seminole County Softball Complex in Altamonte Springs, FL.

After taking an early 2-0 lead, then falling behind 3-2, the Violets (3-6, 2-3 UAA) tied the score in the top of the sixth. Kahala Bonsignore led off the inning with a single and eventually scored on a wild pitch.

The seventh-inning rally began with back-to-back singles by Karissa Zubulake and Marisa Bella. Both runners moved up on an error before scoring the winning runs on Schmus' two-RBI single up the middle.

"Allyson was aggressive at the plate," said Head Coach Now-Allah James. "She understood the situation and put the ball in the right place."

The Yellowjackets (3-6, 1-4) had taken their only lead of the game, 3-2, on a RBI groundout in the bottom of the fifth.

However, Zubulake, who pitched a complete game for the Violets, allowed only one single the rest of the way as the Violets held on for their second victory of the Championship.   

"Karissa threw the ball extremely well and she was consistant," James said. "She kept us in the game until we got the hits and the runs we needed."  

HIGHLIGHTS:

- Zubulake allowed only two earned runs, four hits and two walks while striking out three in recording her first win of the season.

- Bella finished 2-for-3 with the run scored.

- Claire Stefanelli had a triple and scored a run for the Violets, while Diana King singled and scored a run.

"I think people realize we're getting better every game," James concluded. "We're becoming a more complete team in all phases of the game."