May 4, 2008
Box Score - Game One
Box Score - Game Two
Moraga, CA - The Saint Mary's softball team was unable to clinch the conference title this weekend, but they did manage to split with Loyola Marymount in their final double-header, winning the first in thrilling fashion, 8-7, and just barely dropping the second, 8-6. Five Gael seniors made the last appearances of their careers, as they combined for 11 hits and 10 runs.
The first game was a battle from the start, as Saint Mary's scored four quick runs to begin the day. Sandra Ruezga and Kat Delpit were the first to earn RBIs, bringing Gael runners home off a single up the middle and a two bagger to the left field respectively. The Lions countered in the bottom of the first with two runs of their own, while adding two in the bottom of the third to tie the game at four apiece.
Once again errors would hurt the Gael squad, as two unearned runs were tabbed by LMU in the fifth inning, adding to their lead, 7-4. A lone unearned Saint Mary's run in the top of the sixth would prove crucial, as the Gaels rallied in the top of the seventh to put the pressure on the Lions.
LMU's starting pitcher, Tiffany Pagano, recorded back-to-back walks on Sandra Ruezga and Kat Delpit to start the seventh, setting things up for junior Sadie Dolcini. The designated player liked the first pitch she saw in her at bat, as she went yard, recording her third homerun of the season over the left-center fence. The three-run big fly was all the Gaels needed, as Megan Galloway kept the Lions scoreless in the bottom of the seventh, earning the 8-7 win.
Tiffany Pagano had a stellar game for the Lions in the circle, but her efforts would not be enough, allowing six hits, seven earned runs, while walking eight and striking out five. The Lions' loss crushed their hopes of a post season appearance, as Sacramento State claimed the title with a 14-6 Pacific Coast Softball Conference record.
In the second match-up it was senior Bronwyn Russell that had the hot bat, as she was 4-of-5 at the plate, while adding one run and one RBI. The second baseman finished her senior season with an impressive .361 overall batting average, and .348 mark in conference play. On the day Russell compiled a .571 average, totaling four hits, three runs, one RBI, while getting walked three times.
Fellow seniors Sandra Ruezga and Megan Galloway also had phenomenal final performances, each posting two runs in their final game. Ruezga finished the day with a .429 average, while Galloway hit .333.
The Gaels made their final inning as interesting possible, as they were down 8-4 to start the seventh. LMU made two quick outs to start the inning, but five consecutive singles would result in two runs, and bring the win within the Gaels' reach. With three runners on base it seemed that Dolcini could make history repeat itself, but Mother Nature was not on her side, as she hit a deep fly ball to left field, just shy of giving the Gaels' another chance at the win. Of the five singles in the inning, four were hit by Saint Mary's seniors.
Saint Mary's finished the season with an overall record of 27-26, the best finish in Gael softball history. The 2008 softball seniors definitely made their mark on the program, leading the team to the most successful year since the existence of Saint Mary's softball. Highlights of the season include beating three ranked opponents (No. 17 Hawaii twice and No. 9 Fresno State), ranking first in the PCSC going into the final week of play, and posting a record over .500 for the first time in program history.
