Softball Defeats Utah Valley 4-3, Earns Rematch With Wisconsin
Box Score
EUGENE, Ore. – After losing the opening game of their NCAA Regional pool to Wisconsin and finding themselves in the loser’s bracket, the University at Albany softball team needed to win to continue their season. Standing in their way was a team they had already played this season, Utah Valley, to whom the Danes had lost 3-0 at the Rebel Spring Games back in March.
This time, however, UAlbany (34-12) beat Utah Valley (18-42) 4-3, avenging their early season loss, eliminating the Wolverines from the NCAA Tournament, and staving off elimination themselves. UAlbany will now again play Wisconsin, who lost to top overall seed and regional host Oregon.
Brittany MacFawn started the game on the mound for UAlbany once again, following up her 6.0 inning effort against Wisconsin yesterday. MacFawn earned her 20th win on the season, compared with just seven losses. Today, she pitched a complete game, allowing three runs on four hits with eight strikeouts and no walks.
Playing as the visiting team, Utah Valley struck first after consecutive doubles with two outs in the top of the first inning. UAlbany responded in the bottom of the inning with two runs of its own to take a 2-1 lead. Vicky McFarland led off with a double to right center. Kelly Costello and Maggie Cocks recorded consecutive outs, before Charlise Castro hit a two-out, two-run home run to left.
UAlbany scored twice more in the bottom of the second inning. Marlin Solano flied out to right to lead off the inning. Lauren Alcorn hit a double to left-center. Utah Valley took the time to substitute its starting pitcher after Alcorn’s double. A wild pitch allowed Alcorn to advance to third. Jess Tate hit a single up the middle, scoring Alcorn. Tate was able to advance to second on a wild pitch. Caitlin Cooper grounded out to second, advancing Tate to third. McFarland hit a single to shortstop, allowing Tate to cross the plate to give UAlbany a 4-1 lead.
Utah Valley scored one run in the top of the fifth, and another in the top of the seventh to make the final score 4-3. McFarland hit 2-3 with a double, an RBI, and one run scored. Castro hit 2-3 with a home run and two RBIs. And Tate hit 1-3 with an RBI and one run scored.
UAlbany won’t have to wait long for their rematch with Wisconsin, which starts at 8:00 p.m. eastern time. The winner of the game will play Oregon in the championship round tomorrow, and the loser will be eliminated from the tournament.
