Stony Brook University’#146;s softball team, coming off three losses, splita doubleheader on Tuesday, against the Iona Gaels. The rain-soaked split broughtthe Seawolves record to 13-16.
The Seawolves started strong winning the first game 8-1. The SBU women continuedthe inspired play in the second game, but fell 2-0 at University Field.
‘My hope for the season is that we can come out and play our best ball,’senior pitcher Stephanie Poetzsch said. ‘I hope we win.’
Hard play was apparent throughout the rain-filled double header. The Seawolvesexperienced none of their previous defensive woes; making clean crisp playsthe entire afternoon.
‘Our defense has gotten better,’ head coach Andrea Farguhar said.’I’#146;m happy about that.’
Stony Brook struck right out of the gate when Freshman Kristen Brust smackeda RBI double up the third base line, in the bottom of the first, to put theSeawolves up 1-0. The first of her two RBI’#146;s on the day.
One run proved all the Seawolves needed as Stephanie Poetzsch’#146;s performancein relief, held Stony Brook’#146;s lead while the offense piled runs on.
The keys were ‘Staying focused, and working on mechanics,’ Poetzschsaid.
Poetzsch valiantly led the Seawolves. Poetzsch threw a complete game four hitter.She surrendered one run and struck out 11.
The SBU offense stood behind Poetzsch, scoring runs in all but one inning.
Iona pitchers, Brisbane Vaillancourt and Kate Giella couldn’#146;t get a gripon the Stony Brook batters. The Seawolves pounded out eight runs.
‘Poetzsch pitched great,’ Farguhar said. ‘Our offense came throughalso. That is why we won.’
Farguhar’#146;s offense produced five different batters who had RBI’#146;s.Two were freshman’#151; Jane Stein, and sophomore Amanda Staschuk.
Sophomore Lindsey DeLaRosa pitched a well in the second game, enticing groundball outs throughout. But her effort received no backup. SBU got shutout inthe loss.
‘Lindsey did well enough to win,’ Farguhar said. ‘We just gaveher no offensive support.’
Iona also suffered offense troubles in the second game. Their first hit camein the fifth inning’#151;a RBI by Iona’#146;s Amanda Pucci.
Game two proved to be a pitcher’#146;s battle. The Gael’#146;s pitcher, AmyBurdette matched DeLaRosa inning for inning until seventh when DeLa Rosa beganto struggle.
After getting two outs, she loaded the bases which prompted coach Farguharto bring in Poetzsch. The senior pitcher gave up a light single, allowing theGaels to add a run to their lead.
Poetzsch got the next batter out. She ended the inning and left a glimmer ofhope for the SBU.
Despite a late charge in the final inning, the Seawolves couldn’#146;t musterany runs.
Farguhar said she was pleased with the pitching effort and the improvementon defense in the split against Iona.
The Seawolves attempt to continue improving their play and their 13-16 recordagainst Seton Hall, on Thursday, at University Field.
