April 13, 2008
Final Stats
AMHERST, Mass. -. After a string of late-inning victories over the past week, the Temple softball team struggled against a powerful UMass squad, as the Owls (13-14, 3-7) fell to the Minutewomen 9-0 and 10-0 on Sunday afternoon.
The losses to the powerful Minuteowmen (22-11, 12-0) snapped a season-high five game winning streak for the Cherry and White.
Junior Katie Burdeaux laced a double in the fifth inning for the Owls only hit in the first game, continuing on her impressive week at the plate. Senior Teresa Bonavita added a single in the fourth inning for the Owls only hit of the second game.
UMass sophomore Sarah Reeves was the star at the plate for the Minutewomen in the first game, as she went 2-for-3 with two home runs, including a grand slam and 5 RBI. Her grand slam in the fifth inning broke open a 4-0 game.
The Owls also could not find a way to hit Umass pitcher Brandice Balschmiter, who set a new school record for strikeouts in a five-inning game with 14.
Burdeuax (6-5) took the loss on the mound for the Owls, allowing five earned runs in three innings of work. Freshman Amanda Branco allowed three innings while working one-third of an inning.
It was more of the same in the second contest, as UMass used a nine-run third inning to take command of the game early. Senior Brianna Dairy (5-6) struggled with her command all game long, allowing five walks and five earned runs in two and one-third innings of work for the loss. Burdueax and Branco also worked in relief, allowing no earned runs.
The Owls will look to rebound when they return to Philadelphia this week, but they will do it on the road when they play at rival Saint Joseph's in doubleheader action this Wednesday. Play is scheduled to begin at 3:00 p.m.
