May 8, 2008

Box Score

CHICAGO, Ill. - The Green Bay softball team's (11-24) comeback bid fell just short, as the Phoenix lost 4-3 to Cleveland State in nine innings. The Phoenix will play Detroit Friday morning at 11 a.m.

Cleveland State jumped on the Phoenix early, scoring single runs in both the third and fourth innings. Green Bay was able to rally in the top of the fifth for a run. Melani Niederer reached on a fielder's choice, and was advanced to second on a Dana Brockman single. With one out, Jenna Woepse singled down the left field line to score Niederer from second base to bring the Phoenix to within one.

The Vikings added another run in the bottom of the sixth, putting Cleveland State ahead 3-1. However, Green Bay was not going to be put away easily. The Phoenix were able to string together three straight hits with singles from Niederer, Brockman, and Woepse. Krissy Hanson lined out, but with two outs Sara Junion singled up the middle to score Niederer and Brockman to send the game to extra innings.

In the bottom of the ninth, Whitney Williard singled to start the inning. She was then advanced to second on a bunt, and moved to third on a Jessica Burt single. Willard charged home after Christa Coppus hit a ground ball to first baseman Vanessa Lefan. Lefan then threw the ball home and the Phoenix had Willard in a run down, but she eluded junior catcher Missy Schleicher's tag to score the game-winning run.

Amanda Margelofsky pitched in relief and threw 3 1/3 innings while giving up only the game-winning run. With the loss, Margelofsky fell to 2-9 on the season. Anna Bluemel started the game pitching five innings, giving up six hits and three runs.

Green Bay totaled 10 hits in the game, with Brockman going 3-for-4 with a run scored. Schleicher and Woepse also had two hits on the day, as Woepse also drove in a run.

The Phoenix played Detroit in a three-game series early this year and was swept by the Titans.