MIAMI SHORES, Fla. – The first game of the NCAA Division II Softball South Regional took an extra inning for a winner to be decided. Saint Leo (36-13) edged out Valdosta State (48-18) 3-2 to advance in the regional.
In the bottom of the eighth, Elysha Agnen singled up the middle to start a late rally for the Lions. Two batters later she advanced to third and was able to score the winning run on a sacrifice fly by Tatiana Casis to centerfield.
The Blazer’s starting pitcher, Kristen Lindsey took the loss (21-9). She pitched seven and 1/3 innings giving up three earned runs off of seven hits. She also struck out eight.
Opposite Lindsey was Ashley Urbanik (26-8) earned the win in a stellar performance on the mound pitching a complete game one-hitter After giving up the tying run in the top of the third she retired seventeen Blazers in order. She finished the game with eight strikeouts.
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Valdosta State jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning when Andi Braswell scored on a fielding error by the Lions. Braswell recorded the only hit for Valdosta State.
April Slate helped the Lions respond in the bottom half of the inning, leading off with a double to left field. With Slate in scoring position, Amanda Patrick drove a 1-0 pitch down the right side which allowed Slate to score and tie the score up 1-1. Ally Maddox added two more runs for the Lions with a 2 RBI single to center field.
In the top of the third, the Blazer’s Braswell made a heads up play at third base scoring on a routine ground out. With Alex Acosta at the, plate, she hit a hard grounder towards third base. The Lion’s Dominguez played the ball well holding Braswell before making the throw to first. The first baseman hesitated on the put out allowing Braswell to take off and score, tying up the contest 2-2.
Slate led the Lions at the plate with two hits. Patrick, Casis and Maddox each recorded a RBI.
The Lions advances to take on the winner of the University of Alabama-Huntsville/West Florida contest on Tuesday, May 8th at 4:00 pm. Valdosta State will play the loser of the UAH/UWF game at 11:00 am.
Saint Leo 3, Valdosta State 2 (05/07/2008 at Miami Shores, Fla.)
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Valdosta State...... 101 000 00 - 2 1 0 (48-18)
Saint Leo............... 200 000 01 - 3 7 2 (36-13)
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Pitchers: Valdosta State - Kristen Lindsey; Ashley Hill(8). Saint Leo - Ashley Urbanik.
Win-Ashley Urbanik(26-8) Loss-Kristen Lindsey(21-9) T-1:40 A-113
