Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell University
Seton Hall
Bison Softball Splits with Seton Hall in Colonial Classic Finale
3/3/2013 7:00:00 AM | Softball
March 3, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Bucknell softball capped off its run at the Colonial Classic with a split doubleheader against Seton Hall on Sunday afternoon, falling 4-2 to the Pirates in a game that began on Saturday and defeating them 4-0 in a five-inning game that was eventually called for darkness. The Bison (3-8) were led offensively at George Washington's Mt. Vernon Campus by Courtney Conover, who went a combined 3-for-5 with her first career home run.
Conover's shot was responsible for both of Bucknell's runs in game one. The Bison entered Sunday's contest trailing Seton Hall (5-6) 4-0 in the top of the fourth after the game was suspended due to darkness on Saturday night. Conover connected for the two-run homer to left field in the top of the seventh. That scored both her and Caryn Connors, who was in the game pinch running for Cheyanna Young. Young had led off the frame with a walk.
Although those were the only runs Bucknell could get in the first game, the scoring came more easily in the nightcap. Cydnee Sanders got the Bison their first run in the bottom of the first inning. The sophomore singled to get on base then moved to second with Erin Cox' base hit. Sanders eventually scored on a wild pitch.
Bucknell's 1-0 lead increased in the fourth. Young again drew a leadoff walk and the pinch-running Connors scored on Conover's double to right center field. Seven Bison batted in the inning where they tallied four walks and just one base hit.
In the second game against Seton Hall, Young drew a walk in each of her plate appearances. The freshman finished the series 0-for-2 with four walks against the Pirates.
Amanda Fazio pitched her first career shutout, limiting the Pirates' offense in game two to nine hits and four runners in scoring position. None advanced home, however, giving the freshman a 2-4 record in the circle this season.
Fazio's run support continued into the bottom of the fifth inning where Bucknell scored twice more. Cox led off with a single and scored on a fielder's choice. Conover drove in another run on her own fielder's choice, making the score 4-0 before the sun set.
In addition to her three hits in the series, Conover also had four RBI. The junior entered the season with three career runs batted in.
Earning the pitching decisions for Seton Hall were Danielle DeStaso (3-1) in its game-one win and Jen Metzger (2-5) in game two. Bucknell's Dana Nielsen (1-3) took the loss in the opener.
The Bison's win in the nightcap was their first in program history against the Pirates. Bucknell is now 1-8 all-time against Seton Hall.
The Bison were originally scheduled to complete another game today that was called due to darkness earlier in the tournament. The matchup between Bucknell and Dartmouth was canceled due to field conditions and scheduling considerations.
When Bucknell returns to action it will be during its Spring Break trip. The Bison will take on Houston Baptist (March 11), Lamar (March 12), McNeese State (March 13), Prairie View A&M (March 15) and Texas Southern (March 16) in Texas and Louisiana during the road trip.
