Ball State University
Miami
Softball Hands Miami 5-3 Loss To Close Out Regular Season
May 03, 2009 | Softball
MUNCIE, Ind. ? The Ball State softball team concluded the 2009 regular season with a win over Miami 5-3 on Senior Day. The Cardinals (28-22 overall, 18-3 in the Mid-American Conference) did not give up any runs until the top of the seventh inning.
Ball State left bases loaded in the bottom of the first off three walks, but were unable to bring any runs in. However, the Cardinals found their swing in the second inning plating three. Kamilah Holle notched the first hit for either team with a double to right center. Lisa Rozanski singled through the middle, which allowed Holle to score the first run. Allie Pennock also singled, but advanced to second on the poor attempt to catch Rozanski at home. The hits continued as Pennock switched places with Alicia Barkley who doubled left center field, driving in the third run.
In the third inning, Amanda Montalto's long ball off the left center field wall logged the third double for Ball State. She was able to score on Holle's second hit of the day, allowing the Cardinals to maintain a 5-0 lead. Natalie Bejarano also singled to left center and the next two batters were hit by pitches. But for the second inning in a row, the Cardinals left bases loaded.
Throughout five innings, Ball State permitted Miami one hit, while earning eight of its own. However in the top of the sixth, the RedHawks' first batter bunted for a single. Following a walk, a line drive to Barkley at shortstop created a double play at second base with Holle forcing the out. Laura Masch then struck out her seventh batter to close the side.
Without earning a single run throughout six innings, Miami finally found a streak of hits in the top of the seventh, earning three runs for a last attempt at a comeback. An RBI double gave the RedHawks their first run. After two outs, the bases were loaded when Miami's Sarah Billstrom also doubled to center field drawing in two more runs. Masch forced the next batter to ground out to Jen Reifschneider at first base to end the game for a 5-3 final.
In her last home game, the win gave Masch an 8-6 overall record, 6-1 in MAC play. The victory also gives Ball State a 10-1 record at the BSU Softball Complex this season.
TOURNAMENT UPDATE:
As the No. 1 seed in the 2009 MAC Tournament, Ball State will play No. 8 seed Bowling Green 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 6 at Firestone Stadium in Akron, Ohio. The winner goes on to play at 1:30 on May 7, while the loser will play at 11 a.m. Visit mac-sports.com for complete tournament information.
The double elimination tournament features the top eight teams in the conference. The two division winners are automatically seeded one and two by their record. The next best six teams regardless of division make the tournament and are seeded three through eight. Here is the tournament seedings with the tiebreakers computed when applicable:
In The 2009 Tournament:
1. Ball State 18-3
2. Kent State 15-6
3. Western Michigan 16-6
4. Miami 13-9
5. Northern Illinois 12-10
6. Ohio 12-10
7. Akron 11-10
8. Bowling Green 8-14
Eliminated:
9. Eastern Michigan 8-14
10. Buffalo 7-15
11. Toledo 6-16
12. Central Michigan 4-17
The 2009 Senior Class:
After transferring from Mesa Community College, catcher Natalie Bejarano caught 48 of 50 games this season for the Cardinals. She will be a December graduate with a psychology degree.
Pitcher Tiffany Garofano also transferred from Eastern Arizona College, appearing in 33 games during her career and was named MAC West Division Pitcher of the Week three times. She will be graduating in December with a degree in psychology.
Katelyn Gunderson, a four-year letterwinner, has defined what being a part of a team is all about. Her hard work, dedication and leadership have been an inspiration to those around her throughout her career. She will graduate next week with a construction management degree.
After three years, Kamilah Holle found a home at second base and has been a rock there this season. She is tied for 6th on the career home run list at Ball State. She will also graduate next week with a degree in finance.
Laura Masch has appeared in 61 games over her career as a pitcher, and has had her best season this year. She has recorded highs in wins, innings pitched and strikeouts throughout the season. She will graduate next week with a communications degree.
Outfielder Allie Pennock is a four-year starter and will leave Ball State having played in over 200 games, the second most of any athlete in BSU softball history. She needs three runs scored to become the career leader in that category at the school. She will graduate next week with a degree in public relations.
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