The New York University softball team, playing in only its second season as a varsity program, defeated Case Western Reserve University 3-1 at the University Athletic Association (UAA) Championship in Altamonte Springs, FL, on Tuesday, March 9. The victory was NYU's first ever in UAA competition after going 0-10 at the 2015 Championship.
The Violets (2-4, 1-1 UAA) then fell to Washington University in St. Louis (10-0, 2-0) 14-1 in their second game on Tuesday.
Olivia Mould picked up the historic victory for the Violets in the opener, going six innings and allowing only one earned run. She gave up seven hits, struck out one and did not issue a walk.
Karissa Zubulake pitched a scoreless seventh inning, striking out one batter and allowing one hit to pick up the save.
"We have several pitchers who are interchangable, depending on the opponent," said Head Coach
Now-Allah James. "Olivia pitched a great game and then we brought in Karissa to show Case something different."
The Violets scored all of their runs in the bottom of the fifth after Case (5-6, 0-1) pushed one across in the top of the frame.
Sydni Holtz led off the NYU rally with a single before pinch runner
Dakota Damiani was sacrificed to second.
Carina Sturm singled to second, advancing Damiani to third. Sturm then stole second with the throw going into centerfield and Damiani scoring on the play.
Marisa Bella followed with a single, Sturm moving to third. Then, after Bella stole second,
Diana King doubled to right center to knock in both runners and provide the winning margin.
Terrific defense was also on display by the Violets, as third baseman Molly Webber made several diving stops and pinpoint throws to nail would-be baserunners. She finished with six assists and three putouts. "Timely hitting and great defense wins ballgames," James said. "We executed both of those things against Case."
Unfortunately, those traits did not surface in the second game vs. WashU as the Violets committed eight errors and only managed three hits.
One bright spot for NYU against the Bears was
Diana King's first career home run in the bottom of the first.
TUESDAY HIGHLIGHTS:-
Rachel Fulton had one hit in each game for the Violets.
- NYU pitchers stranded eight Spartans and nine Bears on the bases.
- Violet pitchers did not issue a walk in the opener.
The Violets will be back in action for two more games on Wednesday. NYU faces Brandeis University at 10:00 am and Emory University at 1:00 pm at the Seminole County Softball Complex in Altamonte Springs.
