Softball Dominates in 14-0 Home Opening Victory :: Burbeaux has big day at the plate and on the mound

March 19, 2008

PHILADELPHIA - The Temple softball team used its home opener to put together its most dominate performance of the season, topping Delaware State 14-0 from the Ambler Sports Complex on Tuesday afternoon.

Despite the month long break, the Owls (5-6) bats showed no signs of rust. The Cherry and White pounded out 14 runs, 10 hits and 3 home runs, all season highs.

Junior Katie Burdeaux (1-2) was masterful at the plate and on the mound. She smacked her first two home runs of the seasons and knocked in 3 RBI at the plate, and tossed five shutout innings and struck out six while on the mound. Junior Courtney Norene also went deep for her team-high fourth home run of the season. Sophomore Krystle Metzler and senior Natalie Wagner also added two hits each, including back-to-back doubles in the second inning that set the tone for the game.

After taking a 1-0 lead in the first inning, the Cherry and White offense got rolling in the second. With two outs, Metzler doubled down the right field line to keep the inning alive. Wagner then responded with a double of her own to make the score 2-0. Then, with a full count, Norene smacked her fourth homer of the season and floodgates were open.

"Giving the girls spring break off and not playing a game for 30 days can leave you nervous, but our girls have so much spirit and passion for this program and for Temple, and that really up in today's performance," said head coach Casey Dickson

The Hornets struggled to get anything going all game long. The team committed four errors for the game and didn't register a hit until the fifth and final inning.

The Owls are back at home this Saturday for the A-10 conference opener against Saint Bonaventure. Action is slated to begin at 12:00 and will be followed by the Temple Softball Kids Clinic, which is free to the public.

Note: The second game of the doubleheader was cancelled.