March 25, 2008

Box Score

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The JU softball team split their doubleheader with Canisius on Tuesday, dropping game one, 2-0, in eight innings before claiming a 3-2, walk-off victory in the bottom of the seventh in game two.

Senior outfielder Jillian Mirante rebounded out of her recent slump to go 2-for-4 in game one and recording the game-winning single in game two. Mirante's bases loaded single scored sophomore catcher Ashley Mora.

"I think we are starting to play good ball right now," said JU head coach Amanda Lehotak. "We are starting to get on a roll and playing fundamentally sound. The first game we were one pitch away and the second game was another battle. It was a clean game and this time we got the big hit."

The Dolphins (15-24), who already equaled their win total from all of last season, took the 2-0, lead in the bottom of the second, when senior designated player Patricia Melo singled in sophomore second baseman Kelly McKeon and freshman outfielder Kayla Ouellet.

The Golden Griffins (8-9) tied the game after scoring a run in the fourth and fifth innings, but Mirante's heroics ensured the Dolphins came away with the victory.

Sophomore pitcher Brittany Abbott (2-1) earned the victory after pitching seven strong innings for the Dolphins. Abbott allowed two runs (one earned) and struck out four while walking just one.

"Brittany pitched phenomenal and kept them off balance the whole game," Lehotak said.

Sophomore pitcher Ashley Iveson (1-6) pitched scoreless innings for the Dolphins in game one, before giving up a two-run home run to the Golden Griffins' Cameron Norton in the top of the eighth.

Iveson allowed only two runs (one earned) in seven innings, while striking out five, but didn't get any help from the offense as the Dolphins were shut out for the sixth time this season despite out hitting Canisius 7-6.

The Dolphins will be back in action on Friday as they travel to Kennesaw, Ga. to take on Kennesaw State in a doubleheader beginning at 4 p.m., before continuing their road trip to Johnson City, Tenn. to face off against East Tennessee State in a doubleheader which starts at 1 p.m. on Sunday.