Ball State University
Bowling Green
Softball Shuts Down Falcons In First Round Of MAC Tourney
May 06, 2009 | Softball
AKRON, Ohio ? The Ball State softball team (29-22) provided Bowling Green (13-32) its first loss in the opening round of the Mid-American Conference Tournament Wednesday 5-0.
Sophomore Lisa Rozanski and Alyssa Collins highlighted the Cardinals' attack as the two combined for five-of-five with two runs. Rozanski also tied this season's game-high of three stolen bases; she has 77 in her career. She is also one shy of tying the single-season record with 41 runs, while Allie Pennock is two short of tying the career-run record at 93.
Three quick outs, gave Ball State a chance on offense in the bottom of the first inning. The Cardinals struck first as Rozanski singled through the right side. She stole her first of three bases in the game at second and advanced to third on a ground out. Collins' infield single allowed Rozanski to score the innings' lone run.
Elizabeth Milian struck out the first two batters in the top of the second. Collins then robbed a would-be home run after diving through the right field fence to close the side.
Amanda Montalto continued the beating in the bottom of the second with her third home run of the season, pushing Ball State's lead 2-0. Bowling Green earned its first hit in the top of the third, but the Cardinals maintained their lead without giving up a run.
Ball State opened the scoring again with two runs in the bottom half of the third inning. After advancing to third, Rozanski reached home on a throwing error. Collins drew another infield RBI single as Ball State stood with a 4-0 lead. Scoring a fifth run in the fifth inning, Ball State led 9-1 in hits while the Falcons remained scoreless.
Bases loaded in the top of the seventh as Bowling Green's last chance. However, Ball State was able to secure the victory with two pop outs and with Milian striking out the third batter, her fifth in the game.
Milian (21-13) earned the win and picked up her fifth shutout in her 26th complete game. Her 53 career wins put her third all-time at Ball State. She is also six shy from tying the single-season record with 194 strikeouts.
The Cardinals advance to game two, taking on fourth seeded Miami 4 p.m. Thursday. Miami defeated Northern Illinois earlier in the day. The winner will play 5 p.m. Friday.
NOTE: The Kent State vs. Akron and Western Michigan vs Ohio softball games have been postponed to tomorrow due to heavy rain. The schedule will run as follows:
Akron vs. Kent ? 10 a.m.
Ohio vs. Western Michigan ? Noon
Northern Illinois vs. Bowling Green ? 2 p.m.
Ball State vs. Miami ? 4 p.m.
Akron/Kent State winner vs. Ohio/Western Michigan winner ? 6 p.m.
Akron/Kent State loser vs. Ohio/Western Michigan loser ? 8 p.m.
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