Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell University
Robert Morris
Bucknell Softball Drops Pair of One-Run Contests at Rebel Spring Games
3/12/2009 8:00:00 AM | Softball
March 12, 2009
KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Alyssa Okita (Davis, Calif./Davis) hit a three-run home run in the bottom of the seventh inning against Robert Morris to tie the game, but the Bucknell softball team was unable to complete the come-from-behind victory against the Colonials at the Rebel Spring Games on Thursday, falling 4-3 in eight innings. The Bison's (7-11) struggles continued later in the day, dropping their second contest to Butler, 2-1.
As Bucknell took on Robert Morris (6-6), the team found itself trailing late in the game and needed a big hit to stay alive. The Colonials had collected three runs in the first six innings, giving them the 3-0 advantage heading into the bottom of the seventh.
The Bison kept their hopes alive with a walk from Mary Pavlovich (Johnstown, Pa./Richland) and a single from Alison Ford (Suison, Calif./Fairfield). Okita came to the plate with two outs, connecting for a deep drive over the center field fence that tied the score at 3-3 and took the game to extra innings.
The home run was the second of the season for Okita and the second in two games.
Robert Morris responded with an RBI single from Katrina Gallagher in the top of the eighth inning.
The Bison had their opportunities in their final trip to the plate. Lauren Trosch (Reisterstown, Md./McDonogh), who was placed on second base to begin the inning, advanced to third on a sacrifice from Elyse Colmenero (Fresno, Calif./Central). Lauren Fry (South Plainfield, N.J./South Plainfield) then reached on a catcher's interference call before stealing second. The Orange and Blue had runners on second and third with just one out.
That was the last of the offensive production for Bucknell, however, as the team was unable to capitalize on its runners in scoring position. The Bison dropped their opening game of the day, 4-3.
Annie Dubovec earned the win for the Colonials, while Liz Fanning (Ventura, Calif./St. Bonaventure HS) took the loss for Bucknell. Fanning (0-3) pitched two innings and gave up one run on two hits. The run was unearned. The freshman pitcher also struck out one and walked one.
Okita led the Bison at the plate with a 2-3 afternoon. Trosch also posted a 2-4 outing.
The second game of the day turned into a pitchers' duel between Bucknell's Jane Messersmith (Newport Beach, Calif./Newport Harbor), the reigning Patriot League Rookie of the Week, and Butler's Lauren Ott.
Both pitchers brought the game into the fifth inning without a score when Messersmith gave up a lead-off double to Paige Ashton and a walk to Erin Jackson. Both resulted in Bulldog runs.
With Butler leading 2-0, the Bison responded with a run in the top half of the seventh. Colmenero kicked off the inning with double and later scored with some help from Messersmith. For the second time of the day, Bucknell came up short, falling 2-1.
Ott came away with the win, allowing one run on five hits through six innings of work. Messersmith (2-5) took the loss in the circle despite giving up just two runs on four hits.
Colmenero, Messersmith, Fry and Ashley Beans (Hanover, Pa./Hanover) each recorded one hit in three at-bats against the Bulldogs. Sam Rollandi (San Carlos, Calif./N.D. Belmont) claimed the Bison's fifth hit after entering the game as a pinch hitter in the fifth.
Bucknell wraps up its Kissimmee, Fla., trip on Friday with a doubleheader against Columbia at 9 a.m. followed by a matchup with Bryant at 11 a.m. at the Osceola Softball Complex. The Bison then return to Lewisburg for their first home contests against Drexel on Wednesday, March 25.
