Softball Drops Two Close Ballgames in Rebel Spring Games :: Rider and Iona both top Southeast 2-1

March 17, 2004

Kissimmee, Fla. - After rainouts on day one in the Rebel Spring Games, the Otahkians (4-9) took the field today falling 2-1 in both contests to Rider (8-6) and then Iona (3-7).

Against Rider, the two teams didn't see any scoring until the third inning when Rider's shortstop Ashley Boulden crossed the plate. As the lead off batter Boulden was hit by a pitch to get on base, while teammate Amanda Tu singled and Courtney Weed grounded out to first base to more her to third. Second baseman Brandey Weed stepped to the plate knocking a double down the left field line to drive in the Boulden for the RBI.

In the fourth inning the Lady Broncs pounded out another double, this time to left center, to drive in third baseman Nichole Mears to score, 2-1.

Southeast put together its only run in the top of the seventh inning with extreme discipline at the plate. Catcher Lyndsey Webb led off with a walk, followed by three more walks by her teammates in the inning. With the bases loaded, freshman left fielder Flo Davidson's cautious eye earned her a base on balls and the RBI as she forced in Webb for the run.

Southeast pitcher Jessica Hunter took the loss, while Rider's Heather Beintema pitched her way to a complete game victory. SEMO's second baseman Suzi Lair led the squad in hitting, going 2-for-3 with one walk, while Webb went 1-for-2 with one walk.

Then versus Iona, the Otahks jumped out to the early 1-0 lead in the third, but couldn't hold on. Catcher Leigh Anne Lunsford cracked a lead off double into the gap in left center field and then advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Lair. Shortstop Amy Murphy stepped to the plate, driving a hit up the middle to score Lunsford.

Iona came back in the fourth to tie the game on an unearned run. Third baseman Danielle Grasso grounded a single into left field, scoring shortstop Alyson Funn. The Gauels added another unearned run in the fifth as second baseman Liz Hammel crossed the plate on a passed ball by the catcher.

Iona's Alison Higgs picked up the win, while Kelly Birk took the loss for Southeast. In the hitting department Lair, K. Birk, Lindsay Pickering and Lunsford all went 1-for-3 on the afternoon.

On deck at the Rebel Spring Games tomorrow, Southeast will take the field against Cleveland State at 10:40 a.m. and then versus Colorado State at 2:20 p.m.