From NYU Athletics
The New York University softball team ended its 2017 regular season by splitting a University Athletic Association (UAA) doubleheader with the visiting Bears of Washington University in St. Louis on Saturday, April 29, at Bahoshy Field in the Bronx, NY.
The Violets (18-18, 5-9 UAA) dropped the opener 4-1 before taking the second game over the Bears (26-12, 11-5 UAA) by a score of 2-1.
"Defeating a great team like Wash U. for the first time is a big step for our program," said Head Coach Now-Allah James. "We are turning the corner."
The Violets fell behind in the nitecap 1-0, but scored two runs in the fourth and held on. Ashley Mains' double scored the first run, with the eventual winning run scoring on a wild pitch.
Scarlett Murphy was the big story in game two. The freshman hurler went the distance, scattering eight hits while striking out three and not allowing an earned run.
However, her best work came in the final inning, as the Bears rallied to load the bases with two out. But, the Stuart, FL, native dug deep and struck out Washington's cleanup hitter Janet Taylor to end the contest.
"Phenomenal job by Scarlett. An outstanding performance," James related. "She showed great poise in that last inning and made big pitches when she had to."
The Bears got off to a quick start in the opener, scoring two runs in the first inning and one in the third.
The Violets were hitless until Carina Sturm opened the bottom of the fifth with a single.
NYU scored its only run in the sixth on a bases-loaded groundout by Caroline Saccacio.
Sydni Holtz started the contest and pitched well, going five innings and allowing three runs.
Prior to the opener, NYU honored its four graduating seniors: Marisa Bella, Rachel Fulton, Val Schwein, and Molly Webber.
"Those players helped us build this team. They are pioneers of our three-year varsity program," James explained. "They have contributed to our growth, and will be missed."
Game One Note:
- Katherine Piorkowski pitched the final two inning for NYU, allowing one run on two hits.
Game Two Note:
- Diana King had two of NYU's five hits.
Having completed the regular-season with a .500 record, the Violets are now eligible for Eastern Conference Athletic Conference (ECAC) postseason play.