May 3, 2008

Box Score

Moraga, CA - The Saint Mary's softball team was unable to hold on to their first place spot in the Pacific Coast Softball Conference, as they dropped two games to Loyola Marymount, 6-1 and 5-3. With the loss the Gaels drop to 26-25 overall and 11-7 in the PCSC. With two more regular season games to be played, Saint Mary's is second in the PCSC, just one game behind Sacramento State and Loyola Marymount.

In the first loss of the day the Gaels were unable to find an offensive rhythm, as they totaled five hits and one run as a team. Senior Bronwyn Russell was the only batter to record multiple hits, as she posted singles in the first and fourth innings. The Gaels' designated player, Sadie Dolcini, was the only Saint Mary's player to record an extra-base hit, tagging a two-bagger down the right line, and recoding the only Gael RBI of the game.

The Lions scored all six runs in the top of the third inning, as mental and physical errors plagued Saint Mary's defense. Senior Megan Galloway struggled at the start of the inning, as five consecutive Lion batters got on base safely. A heads-up play by Kat Delpit got the first out of the inning at home, but an error by Galloway would prove crucial, as a three-run double by Mia Sarah Cesena gave the Lions all the runs they needed.

Saint Mary's bats began to warm-up in the second match-up, as they totaled 11 hits and three runs. Unfortunately the Gaels were unable to capitalize with runners on base, leaving 10 on the dirt. The Gaels took a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the fifth, but a three-run sixth inning by the Lions would put pressure on the Saint Mary's batters in the final innings. Three consecutive singles in the bottom of the seventh left the bases loaded for Sadie Dolcini, but the Lions' Tiffany Pagano was not about to let the game slip away, striking out the junior for the third and final out of the game.

Sandra Ruezga and Bronwyn Russell were hot for the Gaels in the second match-up, as they each went 3-of-4 at the plate, while Russell added a run. Kat Delpit also posted two crucial at bats, posting singles in the fifth and seventh innings, while adding two RBI.

Senior Tiffany Pagano earned both of Loyola Marymounts wins, as she improves to 23-10 on the season.

The Gaels will return to play in their final regular season game, and the seniors' last appearance in Cottrell Field, as they face Loyola Marymount in another 12:00 PM double-header on Sunday, May 4.