The New York University softball team dropped both of its games at the University Athletic Association (UAA) Championship on Saturday, March 12, at the Seminole County Softball Complex in Altamonte Springs, FL.
The Violets (4-9, 3-6 UAA) were edged by Brandeis University (7-6, 5-3) in the first game by a score of 4-3, as the Judges scored the eventual winning run in the bottom of the sixth. Then, against Emory University (20-1, 9-0), the Violets dropped a 7-4 decision. The Eagles, currently ranked #4 in the nation by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA), clinched the 2016 UAA title after defeating Washington University in St. Louis in their opening game on Saturday.
Against Brandeis, the Violets struck first with single runs in the first and second innings.
Molly Webber drove in the first run with a RBI single and
Marisa Bella did the same in the second.
The Judges went ahead after scoring one in the third and two in the fourth.
However, the Violets rallied to tie the game in the sixth.
Allyson Schmus opened the inning with a single and eventually scored on a RBI groundout by
Cassi Parulis.
Brandeis' Madison Sullivan then homered in the bottom of the sixth to again provide the Judges with the lead.
Starting pitcher
Diana King had a one-out single for NYU in the top of the seventh, but was stranded at first as the Violets fell short by one run.
"We made some mental mistakes in the first game that probably cost us two or three runs," said Head Coach
Now-Allah James. "We're young and we're learning from it and we'll get better at it."
In the second game, the Violets again took an early lead, this time on the strength of a two-run bottom of the first. King had a leadoff single, stole second and scored on a two-out single by Parulis.
Dakota Damiani knocked Parulis in with another single.
The lead was short-lived, however, as the Eagles scored in each of the first five innings to take a 7-2 lead. The Violets did score single runs in each of the last two innings, but it wasn't enough to overcome the UAA Champion Eagles.
"I used our freshmen more in the second game. I think our veterans needed a bit of a break," James explained. "It gave our veterans a chance to sit back a bit and hit the reset button and it gave us a chance to see what our freshmen are made of and how they handle UAA competition. I think we have a bright future ahead with the way they've performed."
GAME ONE HIGHLIGHTS:- King went 5.1 innings, allowing four runs on six hits, walking two and striking out four.
- King, Parulis and Ashley Maines each had two hits.
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Sydni Holtz pitched the final .2 innings, allowing a hit, a run and recording a strikeout.
GAME TWO HIGHLIGHTS:- King went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and a stolen base.
- Damiani had two hits and two RBIs.
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Olivia Mould started for the Violets and was charged with four earned runs in 3.1 innings.
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Karissa Zubulake came on in relief and allowed only two earned runs and two hits in 3.2 innings. She struck out five.
"Overall, I thought our pitching did well. They did their job," James said. "It's a tough week on the pitching staff, playing back-to-back games and back-to-back days. It wears on them, but I think they're holding up great.
The Violets complete play at the 2016 UAA Championship when they face University of Rochester on Sunday, March 13. First pitch is set for 10:00 am at the Seminole County Softball Complex.
