Feb. 23, 2007
Box Score
ELON, N.C. - The Ohio softball team received strong pitching performances from Natalie Armstrong (Murrysville, Pa.) and Michelle Sauter (Chehalis, Wash.) as the Bobcats grabbed two wins on day one of the Elon Invitational.
The Bobcats downed Georgetown, 2-1, in an early game and then tourney host Elon, 9-2, in the afternoon. Ohio advances to a 3-7 record while Georgetown falls 0-5 on the season and Elon 3-5.
"I'm really happy with how we put the ball in play today," said Head Coach Jill Matyuch. "It was the key in practice all week and we did a really good job of executing today. We also got great starts from Natalie and Michelle."
Armstrong (1-1) and Sauter (1-2) each pitched complete games. Armstrong gained the win in game one over the Hoyas, allowing only one run on four hits while striking out five batters. Sauter took the win over the Phoenix in game two, striking out a season-high eight batters.
Ohio was first to score in game one, taking a 2-0 lead in the top of the third inning with runs from Courtney Waters (Eagle River, Alaska) and Marian Davis (Brighton, Mich.). Waters led the inning off with a single and advanced to second on a sacrifice from Shalene Petrich (Chehalis, Wash.). Waters then scored on an RBI single from Davis, who advanced to second on a throw. Kristen Salvatore (Kirtland, Ohio) then singled to plate Davis.
Georgetown scored its first run in the bottom of the fourth, cutting the Bobcats lead to just one, 2-1. Cathy Richter led the Hoyas off with a triple and scored two batters later on a single.
Both teams were scoreless in the remaining three innings and Ohio came away with the win. Debbie Szalejko (Beavercreek, Ohio) and Meagan McCutcheon (Mogadore, Ohio) were solid at the plate going 3-for-3 and 1-for-1, respectively.
Ohio got on the board first in the second game, posting three runs in the top of the first inning. Petrich scored the first run on a RBI double from Amanda Sacks (Chugiak, Alaska) that also advanced Salvatore to third. A single to left field by Kelly Rodriguez (Miami, Fla.) scored Sacks and Salvatore as the Bobcats took a 3-0 lead.
The Bobcats increased their lead to 6-0 with three runs in the fourth inning. Szalejko led off with a triple to left field and scored the first run on a single from Petrich. Petrich advanced to second on a single by Salvatore. A sacrifice by Sacks advanced both runners then Petrich scored as Davis reached on a fielder's choice and advanced to second on a throw. A wild pitch sent Davis to third and Rodriguez singled to bring her home.
Elon score its first run in the fifth inning but couldn't make a comeback as Ohio tallied three more runs in the top of the seventh inning. Catlette on first and Saucedo on third, McCutcheon pinch hit for Waters and homered to center field, scoring her and both runners. It was McCutcheon's first career home run.
Elon scored another run in its half of the seventh inning to finalize the game.
"Debbie Szalejko did a great job in the leadoff role," said Matyuch. "She had a phenomenal day, hitting, stopping, bunting, she did it all. And it was nice to see Meagan connect on one and get her first home run."
McCutcheon also totaled a career-high three RBI. Rodriguez totaled three RBI while going 2-for-3. Petrich was 3-for-5 with a RBI and Sacks was 2-for-3 with a RBI.
The schedule for the remainder of the tournament has been re-done. All games for Sunday have been cancelled due to inclement weather predictions. Instead, all games will be complete on Saturday. This schedule will be updated as pool play finishes and bracket play beings.
Below is an updated schedule:
11:00 a.m. Games
Georgetown vs. Elon
Connecticut vs. North Carolina A&T
Campbell vs. Rutgers
Rider vs. Ohio
1:00 p.m. Games
Bracket Game 1
Bracket Game 2
Bracket Game 3
Bracket Game 4
3:00 p.m. Games
Bracket Game 5
Bracket Game 6
Bracket Game 7
Bracket Game 8
