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Softball Splits Doubleheader with UMBC
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April 21, 1999
BALTIMORE, Md. – The University of Virginia softball team took its season-high 11-game winning streak into its matchup with the University of Maryland at Baltimore County Retrievers. UVa, winner in 16 of its last 18 contests, looked like it was going to turn its 11-game winning streak into 12 after pulling out to a 3-0 lead. However, UMBC came back and scored four unanswered runs to topple the Cavaliers 4-3. Virginia returned the favor in game two, as UVa handed UMBC a 3-1 defeat.
In the first game of the afternoon, Virginia scored an early first inning run when Meaghan Young (2-3, RBI, double, run) walked and then scored a run on Lori Reeses (1-4) RBI double to make it 1-0, UVa. In the fourth inning, the Cavaliers extended their lead to three runs after Amy Peay (2-3, run) singled and then was driven home on Youngs RBI double to make it a 2-0 game. One batter later, Corinne Good (1-4, RBI) scored Katie Zunno (who reached base on a walk) on a RBI single. However, UMBC scored four unanswered runs, with two runs coming in the fifth inning, and two more runs in the bottom of the seventh for a dramatic come from behind win.
Cory Bolkan started thing off in the pitchers circle for UVa. She threw five innings and allowed two runs on six hits with two strikeouts. Chrissy Quinn spelled Bolkan in the sixth inning, but was unable to hold off UMBCs late rally, as she was handed the loss after surrendering two runs on two hits and walking three batters. Quinn did tally four strikeouts in the losing effort.
Virginia bounced right back in game two however. After not having tasted a defeat in nearly two and a half weeks, UVa got back on track in the second game with another victory. Once again, the Cavaliers pulled out to a 1-0 on another Young first inning score. And like game-one, Young (1-3, two runs) scored off the bat of Reese, this time on a RBI sacrifice fly. The Retrievers tied the game at 1-1 in the third inning, before Virginia scored a run in both the fourth and fifth inning to close out the game. UVas game-winning run was scored by Kristen Dennis (1-3) in the fourth inning after she singled to reach base, and eventually scored when Peay walked with the bases loaded. The Cavaliers added a run in the fifth inning when Young scored her second run of the game after hitting a single and scoring when Good (1-2) hit an RBI double. Karen Breshears (1-2) added a hit in the 3-1 win.
Zunno collected her second win as a pitcher this season, as she pitched five and one-third innings and allowed only three hits and one run. Dennis relieved Zunno and posted her first collegiate save as a pitcher.
With the split on the afternoon, Virginias record moves to 29-21 overall. UVa is 3-3 in Atlantic Coast Conference play. UMBC remains at .500 on the season with a mark of 20-20 on the year. The Cavaliers have now won 17 of the last 20 contests. The doubleheader with the Retrievers was Virginias last regular season road trip of the season. Virginia will return to home action on Saturday, April 24 when UVa faces the Maryland Terrapins in an ACC doubleheader. The first game of the doubleheader is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m. and will be played at The Park.