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(April 25, 2003) - The UC
Riverside softball team has signed Elizabeth Buck of Lake
Elsinore, CA, Liana Alston of San Diego, Sara Radabaugh of
Moorpark, CA, and Hailey Marshall of Redondo Beach, CA to
National Letters of Intent.
Elizabeth Buck will graduate
from Temescal Canyon High School in the Spring and will enter
UCR as a freshman. “She is an excellent catcher with
a solid arm,” said Head Coach Mike Smith. Buck is a
four-time letterwinner and has been named to the all-league
state team. Buck played travel ball for the Phoenix Storm
Gold.
Liana Alston will graduate
from University City High School in the Spring and will enter
UCR as a freshman. “Alston is explosive out of the box
and will put a lot of pressure on the defense,” said
Smith. “She has extreme quickness and a strong bat which
give her the tools to be successful at the Division I level.”
Alston played for the San Diego Power Surge travel ball team.
Sara Radabaugh will graduate
from Oaks Christian High School in the Spring and will enter
UCR as a freshman. “Sara has good velocity and a wide
arrange of pitches, which will keep hitters on their toes,”
Smith said. Radabaugh played travel ball for the San Diego
Renegades.
Hailey Marshall will graduate
from Redondo Union High School in the Spring and will enter
UCR as a freshman. She is very aggressive in the box and on
the base paths,” Smith said. “She is a great slapper,
and bunter, which will put pressure on the defense.”
Marshall played travel ball for the Vipers Gold.
(June 3, 2003) -Kristen
Dufrene, a center fielder who played at Palomar College in
2003, has signed a national letter of intent to join the Highlanders
in 2003-04.
Dufrene is a 5-5 left handed
hitter who was named second team All-State ,first team All
Conference and first team All-Southern California in 2003.
She hit .387 with 25 runs scored and a team-high 24 stolen
bases. She helped the Comets win their 18th consecutive conference
championship and led them into the finals of the regional
tournament.
“Kristen comes from a great JC program with a lot of
success and experience in the big games,” Head Coach
Mike Smith said. “She is very solid in the outfield,
covering a lot of ground and aggressive on the base paths.
Offensively she is a very good contact hitter that really
battles at the plate. We feel she will be a huge asset to
the program.
(June 20, 2003) -Courtney
Nix, a pitcher who played at Fullerton College in 2003, has
signed a national letter of intent to join the Highlanders
in 2003-04.
Nix is a 5-6 right handed
pitcher who was named first team All-Orange Empire Conference,
and conference pitcher of the year in 2003. She posted a 28-11
record, with an ERA of 0.68 in 256 innings of work in 2003.
“Courtney is a pitcher
and a workhorse when she has the ball in her hand,”
Head Coach Mike Smith said. “She has great composure,
attitude, poise and a pitch variety that are all key components
to being a successful pitcher at the Division 1 level.”
(June 24, 2003) -The UC
Riverside Softball team announced the signing of Jennifer
Thompson of Riverside, CA to a National Letter of Intent.
Thompson graduated from
Notre Dame High School and will enter UCR as a freshman in
the fall. Thompson was named first team All-CIF, and named
De Anza League Offensive Player of the Year in 2003.
“Jennifer is a natural
athlete, who brings a strong bat to the plate,” Head
Coach Mike Smith said, “She has the ability to play
any position in the infield or outfield, which will be a valuable
asset to us next season.”
(July 2, 2003) - Connie
Miner has been hired as the Head Softball Coach at the University
of California, Riverside, Athletics Director Stan Morrison
announced Tuesday.
“Her experience and
understanding of the nuances of coaching, both on and off
the field are exceptional. I have been a real fan of Connie’s
for a number of years, and we are delighted to have her joining
the Highlanders after her outstanding season at the University
of North Carolina,” Morrison said.
Miner makes her return
to UCR after a one year stint at the University of North Carolina,
Chapel Hill as an Associate Head Coach in charge of pitchers,
catchers, outfielders and hitting. Miner helped the Tar Heals
achieve a 40-22-1 overall record, and a berth in the 2003
NCAA Regional Championship. Prior to the 2003 season Miner
served as an associate head coach at UCR from 2000-2002.
Miner compiled a 82-155
record in four seasons as head coach at San Jose State University
from 1996-2000 While at SJSU Miner had seven players earn
All-WAC and one player named Freshman of the Year.
“It’s a tremendous
honor and privilege to rejoin this magnificent university,”
Miner said. “I’m looking forward to returning
to a program that I care so much about, to the challenge of
winning Big West Conference titles and for the opportunity
of competing in the NCAA Tournament.”
Miner is a 1979 graduate
the University of Nebraska at Kearney, where she earned her
bachelor’s degree in Health, with an emphasis in Physical
Education and Recreation. While at UNK Miner was a four-year
letter winner from 1975-79, and earned All-Conference honors
as a pitcher/utility player each season.
(August 1, 2003) - The
UC Riverside Softball team announced the signing of right-handed
pitcher Tawni Baker of Brea, CA to a National Letter of Intent.
Baker graduated from Brea
Olinda High School and will enter UCR as a freshman in the
fall. She was named first team All-CIF, and named MVP of the
Orange League in 2003.
“Tawni has a variety
of pitches, which she throws very effectively,” Head
Coach Connie Miner said. “She brings much needed depth
to our pitching staff, as well as a strong bat. I am looking
forward to working with her.”
(January 15, 2004) - The
Big West Coaches poll has projected the UC Riverside softball
team to finish 7th in conference.
The Highlanders finished
the 2003 season with a 13-45 overall record and a 4-17 record
in the Big West, which was good for a 7th place finish.
Long Beach State was tabbed
as the favorite to win the 2004 Big West conference title.
The 49ers, who last claimed the conference crown in 1999,
edged out four time defending defending conference champion
Cal State Fullerton by three points.
Cal State Northridge sits
in third place in the coaches poll after they reached the
post season in 2003. Pacific was predicted to finish fourth
after they too had a post-season trip in 2003 season. UC Santa
Barbara was tabbed fourth, Cal Poly sixth, and Utah State
predicted to finish eighth respectively.
The Highlanders will open
their 2004 season on February 10 with a double header against
Loyola Marymount at the newly constructed 750-seat Amy S.
Harrison Field.
Big West Coaches Poll
1. Long beach State
2. Cal State Fullerton
3. Cal State Northridge
4. Pacific
5. UC Santa Barbara
6. Cal Poly
7. UC Riverside
8. Utah State
(February 7, 2004) - The
UC Riverside softball team opened the 2004 season with a pair
of losses at the Thunderbird Canyon Crest Tournament in St.
George Utah today losing the early game to host Southern Utah,
10-8 and losing the nightcap to Loyola Marymount, 12-7.
In the early game Southern
Utah jumped out to an early 4-1 lead in the first inning as
UCR sophomore starting pitcher Kim Dillon surrendered two
home runs to the Thunderbirds. The Highlanders rallied back
in the seventh inning, however were unable to complete the
come from behind win.
In the nightcap UCR dropped
a close decision to Loyola Marymount, 12-7. Junior transfer
Courtney Nix picked up the loss for the Highlanders.
UCR will be back in action
Sunday Feb. 7th, as they will continue play in the Thunderbird
Tournament. The Highlanders will face the University of Utah
at 10:00 a.m. and will finish the tournament against Southern
Utah with a game time set for 12:30 p.m. UCR will open their
2004 home schedule on Tuesday Feb. 10 at 1:00 p.m. as the
Highlanders will host Loyola Marymount in a double header
at the Amy S. Harrison Field.
(February 10, 2004) - The
UC Riverside softball game scheduled for today has been postponed
due to gusty winds. The game will be rescheduled at a date
to be announced.
(February 8, 2004) - The
UC Riverside softball team dropped their final game of the
Thunderbird Canyon Crest Tournament in St. George Utah today
losing to host Southern Utah, 3-2.
The Highlanders lost a
heartbreaker, as the Thunderbirds put on a late surge to pull
out a 3-2 victory over UCR. Southern Utah pitcher Mandy Brown
surrendered three hits to the Highlanders.
UCR will be back in action
on Tuesday Feb. 10 at 1:00 p.m., as the Highlanders will host
Loyola Marymount in a double header at the Amy S. Harrison
Field.
(February 14, 2004) - UCR
opened up the tournament with a 4-2 come from behind victory
over Portland State on Friday Feb. 13
. The Vikings took a 2-0
lead into the sixth, only to see it dissipate away as freshman
Eliizabeth Buck blasted one over the centerfield fence to
cut the Portland State lead in half. The homer was Bucks first
collegiate home run. The Highlanders would add two more unearned
runs in the inning as well as adding an unearned run in the
seventh to put the game at it’s final of 4-2.
UCR senior Pitcher Janell
Jackson pitched a complete game for the Highlanders and recorded
her first win of the young season allowing two runs on five
hits.
In the nightcap the Highlanders
dropped one to Wisconsin 10-2.
UCR starter Courtney Nix
and Wisconsin starter Eden Brock each kept the opposition
at bay through the opening four innings of play as neither
team was able to tally a run.
Wisconsin finally broke
through in the top of the fifth inning, scoring three times
after two were out.
UC Riverside got an unearned
run back in the bottom half of the inning to trim the Badgers’
lead to 3-1. Marielle Decker led off the frame by reaching
on an error by Brock and then moved up to second on a sacrifice
bunt. Shannon Peterson’s grounder to Zacher at short
took a bad hop and Decker was barely able to beat Zacher’s
throw to third on the play. Decker came home to score on a
sacrifice fly to center by Kristen Dufrene, but the inning
ended when Peterson attempted to advance to second on the
play.
UW pushed its lead back
up to three in the top of the sixth. With one away, Emily
Friedman singled, advanced to second on an error by the second
baseman and was brought home by an RBI single to left-center
by Tara Hamilton. Wisconsin would load the bases with two
outs, but was unable to extend its lead any further.
The Highlanders cut the
lead back down to two again in the bottom of the sixth with
another unearned run. However, the Badgers put the game on
ice with a six-run seventh inning to give the game it’s
final of 10-2.
February 14
The Highlanders dropped
the first game of play today to the 22nd ranked Oregon State
Beavers 9-0.
Sophomore starter Kim Dillon took the loss for the Highlanders
allowing nine runs on eight hits in 2.1 innings of work.
In the late game the Highlanders
dropped one to Big West rival Cal Poly 9-4.
(February 15, 2004) - The
UC Riverside softball team dropped their final game of the
UNLV Softball Classic Sunday Feb 15 to the University of Utah,
10-2 at the Stephanie L. Craig Field.
The Highlanders (1-8) knocked
in their only two runs of the game in the first as sophomore
third basemen Melissa Sanchez blasted her first home run of
the season over the right centerfield fence to bring in sophomore
outfielder Jamie Yee, who reached on an error, to give UCR
a 2-0 early advantage.
Utah (5-4) answered back
in the first with five runs of their own to take the lead
5-3. Utah would add five more runs in the fourth to put the
game at it’s final of 10-2.
UCR’s Jenell Jackson
(1-2) picked up the loss for Riverside allowing five runs
on five hits.
The Highlanders will be
back in action on Feb 20-22 as they will travel to Santa Barbara
to take part in the “Softball by the Beach Invitational”
hosted by UC Santa Barbara.
(February 21, 2004) - The
UC Riverside softball team took Kansas to the wire in its
first game, but then faced back-to-back shutouts to Brigham
Young and Loyola Marymount to finish 0-3 in UC Santa Barbara’s
“Softball by the Beach Invitational.” Rain cancelled
UCR’s final game on Saturday and projected rain on Sunday
caused the final day’s games to be cancelled as well.
On Friday, Kansas game back with two runs in the fifth and
sixth innings to knot the game, 4-4, and send it to extra
innings.
Per international tiebreaker rules, runners were placed on
second base in the eighth inning. The Highlanders (1-10) was
unable to score and left two on base for the Jayhawks (8-4)
in the bottom of the eighth, scoring the go-ahead run on a
squeeze bunt situation.
Kimberly Dillon (0-3) was charged the loss allowing four runs
(two earned) on 10 hits in 5 1/3 innings of work.
Against Friday’s second game against BYU the Highlanders
were dominated by the Cougars’ (4-3) Niki Anderson who
pitched a complete-game, three-hit shutout. Anderson (2-1)
struck out eight while allowing just two walks.
Janell Jackson (1-4) pitched the first three innings allowing
three runs on four hits and was charged with the loss.
UCR faced its second shutout of the weekend in Saturday’s
5-0 loss to LMU before the rest of the tournament was cancelled.
The Highlanders will travel to San Diego next week to play
in the University of San Diego’s tournament.
(Feb. 28, 2004) -The UC
Riverside Highlanders split their four games at the USD Tournament
in San Diego this weekend. UCR went 1-1 on the first day of
the USD Invitational, defeating Southern Utah 6-1 and losing
to Loyola Marymount, 6-3. On Saturday, the team split again,
defeating Fairfield 8-0 and losing to host USD, 6-0.
Against Fairfield the Highlanders
banged out nine hits, including two each by Eliizabeth Buck,
Melissa Sanchez and Jennifer Thompson. Buck and Thompson each
had a pair of RBI. Jenell Jackson (4 IP, 4 hits) and Courtney
Nix (1 IP) combined for the mercy rule shutout.
Against Southern Utah, Buck
went 3-for-5 with a double and two RBI and Sanchez had a pair
of hits in a 6-1 win. Kim Dillon earned the win, scattering
six hits and allowing one earned run in seven innings of work.
The Highlanders got behind
early to Loyola Marymount, as the Lions scored three times
in the top of the first. UCR cut it to 4-3 in the fourth,
but LMU tallied twice in the top of the sixth for a 6-3 win.
Jamie Yee had two hits and Shannon Peterson had two hits and
two runs scored for UCR.
In the finale vs. USD, the
Highlanders mustered just three hits, and the Torreros scored
five runs with two outs in the fifth for a 6-0 win.
(Mar. 3, 2004) -The 15th-ranked
Fresno State softball team shut out the visiting UC Riverside
Highlanders, 9-0 in a six-inning
mercy rule win, then came back to win the nightcap, 10-3.
The Highlanders (3-16) were
one-hit by junior All-America hurler Jamie Southern. First
baseman Jennifer Thompson got the Highlanders lone knock.
Southern struck out 12.
The Bulldogs (9-4) banged
out 13 hits, led by freshman catcher Nichole Willis who hit
her first home run of the year
UC Riverside pitcher Kimberly
Dillon (1-5) took the loss after allowing nine runs, one walk
while recording a strikeout.
In the nightcap, UC Riverside
struck first on a RBI double by third baseman Melissa Sanchez
in the top of the first inning, but Fresno State came back
to score three times in the first and once in the second.
The Highlanders got another run in the third on a sacrifice
fly by second baseman Eliizabeth Buck, who later went on to
hit a two-out home run in the fifth.
Courtney Nix took the loss
for UCR, allowing 15 hits and seven earned runs in six innings
of work.
GAME
1 BOX SCORE
GAME 2 BOX SCORE
(Mar. 6, 2004) -The UC Riverside
softball team swept the University of San Diego Toreros in
a double header today at the USD Softball Complex, winning
the early game 3-0 and the nightcap 3-2 in extra innings.
In the early game the Highlanders
(5-16) got things started in the third inning as freshman
Eliizabeth Buck reached on a fielders choice plating freshman
outfielder Liana Alston, who was hit by a pitch, to give UCR
a 1-0 early advantage.
The Highlanders sealed
the deal scoring their final two runs of the game in the sixth
inning as Sara Smallwood, who pinch hit for Dani Bishop, hit
a two RBI single down the right field line to score Jessica
Black and Jeannine Robison to put the game at its final of
3-0.
UCR starter Kim Dillon
(3-5) picked up the win for the Highlanders as she pitched
a complete game allowing only one hit while striking out three
and walking four. USD starter Gina McFarland picked up the
loss for Toreros allowing three runs on seven hits in seven
innings pitched.
In the nightcap USD (7-11)
took the early lead in the third when the McFarland hit an
RBI double to right field to give USD a 1-0 lead. USD would
add one more run in the fifth to give the Toreros a 2-0 cushion.
The Highlanders responded
in the sixth as Jennifer Thompson doubled to left scoring
Liana Alston, whom was pinch running for Melissa Sanchez,
to cut the lead in half. Still in the sixth UCR knotted things
up at two runs apiece when Robison doubled to left field allowing
Angie Castellanos to score from second.
In the ninth inning Jessica
Black provided the heroics as she hit a sacrifice fly to left
field allowing Jamie Yee to score from third completing the
Highlanders come from behind victory.
Dillon, who came in relief
of UCR Starter Janell Jackson, picked up the win for the Highlanders
as she allowed only two hits in 3.1 innings of work. Jackson
did a superb job for UCR as she pitched a strong 5.2 innings
allowing two runs, one earned, on five hits. USD’s Christina
Haake picked up the loss for the Toreros allowing two runs
on seven hits.
UCR will retrn to action
on Tuesday March 9th as they open their home schedule with
a double header against Michigan State with a game time slated
for 1:00 p.m.
GAME
1 BOX SCORE
GAME
2 BOX SCORE
(Mar. 6, 2004) -The UC Riverside
softball team was swept by the Michigan State Spartans in
a double header today at the Amy S. Harrison Field, losing
the early game 2-1 and the nightcap 7-6.
In the nightcap UCR (5-18)
put on a brilliant seventh inning rally, but came up short.
With the Highlanders trailing 7-3 sophomore Jamie Yee stepped
up to the plate and launched her second triple of the day
into right center. Shannon Peterson was hit by a pitch which
then placed runners at the corners with no outs. Sanchez struck
out, and Jeannine Robison walked. Then with the bases loaded
freshman first basemen Jennifer Thompson sent a rocket deep
to left center just falling three feet short of a home run,
which cleared the bases and placed Thompson on second. UCR
was unable to do any more damage, which left the game at a
7-6 final.
The Spartans (12-6) got
things started in the second inning on a two run double by
Dayna Feenstra. MSU would add one more run as Victoria Morache
singled home Amy Szawara to give the Spartans a 3-0 advantage.
The Highlanders struck
back with two runs of their own in their half of the second
inning as Yee hit a triple plating Jessica Black, who had
singled, cutting the lead down to one. Shannon Peterson then
singled home Yee giving the Highlanders a one run deficit.
MSU would add one run in
both the fourth and fifth innings pushing their lead back
up to three runs.
The Highlanders got one
back in the fifth as Peterson hit her first career home run
over the centerfield fence cutting the lead down to two.
The Spartans recorded their
final two runs in the sixth when Natalie Furrow singled in
Nicole Mercado, who had tripled. Britney Green then singled
in Furrow, which gave the Spartans a four run lead heading
into the seventh inning.
UCR’s Kimberly Dillon
(3-6) took the loss for the Highlanders allowing seven runs,
five earned on 11 hits in 5.2 innings of work. MSU’s
Christy McGrew (2-1) picked up the win for the Spartans allowing
three runs on nine hits in 4.0 innings of work.
In the early game it was
Michigan State recoding the first run on the game in the first
inning when Elizabeth Peterson grounded out to second allowing
Jessica Beech to score from third to give MSU a 1-0 early
advantage
. UCR answered back in the
third inning when Thompson reached on an error by MSU’s
Feenstra, which allowed Eliizabeth Buck to score from third
to knot things up at one run apiece.
The Spartans scored the
game wining run in the sixth when Feenstra doubled in Beech
to put the game at it’s final of 2-1.
UCR’s Courtney Nix
(0-5) picked up the loss for the Highlanders allowing two
runs on five hits in seven innings of work. MSU’s Beech
(8-4) picked up the win for the Spartans allowing no runs
on seven hits.
UCR will be back in action
this weekend as they host the UCR Tournament to be played
at the Amy S. Harrison Field. UCR will play on Saturday March
13 at 1:00 p.m. vs. Canisius and again at 3:00 p.m. against
USD. Then on Sunday the Highlanders will play Princeton at
11:00 a.m. and they will take part in either the concolation
game at 1:00 p.m. or in the championship game at 3:00 p.m.
GAME
1 BOX SCORE
GAME
2 BOX SCORE
(Mar. 13, 2004) -The UC
Riverside softball team split their first two games of the
UCR Invitational Tournament today at the Amy S. Harrison Field
winning the early game 10-9 over Canisius College and losing
the nightcap in a shortened game to USD 8-6.
In the early game UCR’s
junior Jeannine Robison provided the heroics for the Highlanders
as in the bottom of the seventh she hit a RBI single, bringing
home freshman Jennifer Thompson, who had walked, lifting the
Highlanders to a 10-9 victory over Canisius College.
The Highlanders (6-19)
responded to the Griffins two run first inning with a three
runs in their half of the first inning. Sophomore third basemen
Melissa Sanchez got things started for UCR with a singled
up the middle platting Jamie Yee, who had walked, cutting
the lead in half. Robison singled to right scoring Sanchez
knotting things up at two runs apiece. UCR took a one run
lead with Jessica’s Black’s RBI single up the
middle.
In the fifth inning the
Highlanders were faced with two outs and still found them
selves in a 7-4 hole. UCR dug down deep and exploded with
four runs on two hits to retake the lead at 8-7.
Canisius tied things up
at eight in the seventh inning, which set the scene for Robison’s
heroics allowing UCR to win the game at 9-8.
UCR scored all ten of their
runs in the game when they were faced with two outs in the
inning. Sanchez was a big part of the Highlanders offensive
production in this game as she went 2-for-3 with four RBI
and one double.
UCR’s Kim Dillon
(4-7), pitching in relief for Courtney Nix, picked up the
win for UCR allowing one run on one hit in one inning pitched.
Canisius’ Lindsay Garbacz picked up the loss for the
Griffin’s allowing two runs on one hit in two innings
of work.
In the nightcap, the game
was called after the sixth inning due to darkness, leaving
the score at 8-5 in favor of USD (8-14).
The Toreros jumped out
to a 7-1 lead through two innings, before the Highlanders
began to mount a comeback that saw UCR score four runs over
the fourth and fifth innings.
In the fourth, the home
plate umpire made a controversial call. With the bases loaded
Angelina Castellanos hit the ball down the third base line
to USD’s third basemen who then tried to make the play
at the plate. Black, who was on third, collided with USD’s
catcher on her way to home plate and the catcher appeared
to drop the ball plating both Black and Marshall, who was
on second which would have given the Highlanders a two run
deficit. After a discussion with both head coaches and the
second base official, the umpire reversed his call stating
that Black was tagged out before the catcher dropped the ball,
thus negating her run, but still awarded Marshal’s run
putting the Highlanders deficit back to three at 7-4.
San Diego tallied the final
run of the game in the bottom of the sixth when Marissa Merchain
singled in Alicia Massei putting the game at it’s final
of 8-5.
UCR will be back in action
tomorrow as they continue play in the tournament with an 11:00
a.m. game against Princeton at the Amy S. Harrison field.
Depending on the outcome of the other games tomorrow the Highlanders
will either play in the consolation game at 1:00 p.m. or in
the championship game to be held at 3:00 p.m.
Tournament Results:
Princeton defeated Canisius
College 9-1 today in the opening game of the UCR Invitational
Tournament at the Amy S. Harrison Field. Princeton's Ty Ries
went 3-for-3 with two RBI and Melissa Finley picked up the
win for the Tigers allowing one run on four hits in six innings
pitched.
Princeton blanked the University
of San Diego 3-0 in game two of the UCR Invitational Tournament
at the Amy S. Harrison Field. Melissa Finley did most of the
damage for the Tigers as she went 1-for-2 with two RBI and
one home run. Erin Snyder picked up the win for Princeton
pitching a complete game surrendering only four hits.
GAME
1 BOX SCORE
GAME
2 BOX SCORE
(Mar. 14, 2004) -The UC
Riverside softball team split their final two games of the
UCR Invitational Tournament today at the Amy S. Harrison Field
losing the early game 4-3 to Princeton and winning the nightcap
to Canisius College, 7-5. With the 7-5 victory the Highlanders
went .500 in their tournament.
In the nightcap the Highlanders
(7-20) ended the UCR Tournament in stylish fashion as UCR
was faced with not only a one run deficit heading into the
final inning, but had to battle mother nature as well. With
the game starting an hour after it was scheduled the Highlanders
had to try and race through the game to finish all seven innings
before daylight disappeared, and they were able to do just
that.
With the Highlanders trailing
3-2 heading into the seventh inning UCR dug down deep to see
if they could muster up at least two runs. Things started
to look gloom for UCR as they had no one on and two outs.
Then sophomore third basemen Melissa Sanchez stepped up to
the plate and launched a rocket over the center field fence
to tie things up at three runs apiece. Three batters later
Sara Smallwood knocked in two more runs on an error by Canisius’
second basemen giving UCR a two run lead. Jeannine Robison
finished things off when she tripled in Smallwood and Hailey
Marshall giving UCR a nice four run cushion. Centerfielder
Jamie Yee then struck out purposely to retire the side and
send Canisius (3-6) up to bat as the daylight was rapidly
disappearing.
Canisius scored two runs
in the bottom of the seventh inning putting the game at its
final of 7-5.
UCR’s Kim Dillon
(5-7) picked up the win for the Highlanders pitching all seven
innings allowing five runs, three earned, on nine hits. Jena
Jurich picked up the loss for Canisius allowing five runs
on five hits in three innings of work.
In the early game the Highlanders
found themselves trailing 4-0 heading in into the bottom of
the seventh. UCR, like they have done all tournament, mustered
up another brilliant comeback, only to have it fall one run
short.
In the seventh inning with
runners on second and third, Princeton’s starting pitcher
Amelia Runyan had a balk called against her allowing UCR to
score it’s first run of the game. Sanchez then singled
in Eliizabeth Buck, who reached on an error, cutting the lead
down to two. Jessica Black flied out to right allowing Liana
Alston, who was pinch running for Sanchez, to score from third
cutting the lead down to one. However, UCR was unable to do
any more damage and that left the final score of the game
at 4-3.
Courtney Nix (0-6) picked
up the loss for UCR allowing four runs, three earned, on five
hits in 2.1 innings of work. Princeton’s Amelia Runyan
picked up the win for the Tigers allowing three runs, two
earned, in six innings of work. Princeton’s Melissa
Finley picked up a save for the Tigers (5-4).
The Highlanders will be
back in action on March 19-21 as they head down to the San
Diego State Tournament. UCR will return home again on March
29th, as they will host Dartmouth in a double header
Tournament Results:
Canisius defeated the niversity
of San Diego 8-6 in eight innings, 8-6. Mandy Luukinen went
2-for-3 with four RBI for Canisius. Lindsay Garbacz picked
up the win for Canisius allowing one run in four innings pitched.
USD claimed the tournament
crown as they defeated Princeton in the champioship game,
1-0. San Diego's Anna Russel picked up the win for USD allowig
seven hits and zero runs in seven innings pitched.
(Mar. 20, 2004) - The UC
Riverside Highlanders lost a pair of games at the San Diego
Softball Tournament at San Diego State Saturday. UCR lost
to BYU, 3-2 and to Indiana, 5-1.
The Highlanders trailed
Indiana 3-0 in the fifth before pinch hitter Jeanine Robison's
double scored Jessica Black, who reached with one of her two
singles to make the score 3-1. The Hoosiers tacked on single
runs in the bottom of the fifth and sixth to put the game
away. Starter Jennell Jackson took the loss, allowing nine
hits and four earned runs in 4.1 innings.
Against BYU, the Cougars
scored two in the first and one in the third to take a 3-0
lead. But UCR rallied in the fourth, as Eliizabeth Buck reached
on an error and moved to second on a bunt single by Melissa
Sanchez. Jennie Thompson advanced the runners with a sacrifice
bunt, and both came home on a fly ball by Robison on which
the center fielder threw wildly. UCR got just one more hit
over the last three innings. Kim Dillon started and surrendered
seven hits and three earned runs, striking out two.
The Highlanders wrap up
the tournament against host SDSU and Central Connecticut State
on Sunday.
GAME
1 BOX SCORE
GAME
2 BOX SCORE
(Mar. 21, 2004) -The UC
Riverside softball team split their final two games in the
San Diego State Tournament today at the SDSU Field losing
the opening game to host San Diego State, 2-0 and winning
the finale to Central Connecticut, 5-2.
In the final game of the
tournament UCR (8-24) wasted no time scoring as in the first
inning freshman second basemen Eliizabeth Buck doubled in
Jeannine Robison, who had singled, to give the Highlanders
their first run of the game. Sophomore third basemen Melissa
Sanchez followed Bucks double with a RBI double of her own
platting Buck to give UCR a 2-0 lead after one.
UCR tagged on one more
run to their lead in the third when sophomore left fielder
Jessica Black tripled in Sanchez, who doubled to center, to
give UCR a 3-0 cushion.
UCR would add two more
runs in the fifth when Robison scored on an error by Central
Connecticut’s catcher pushing the lead to 4-0. Sanchez
would close out the Highlanders scoring for the day as she
scored on a pass ball putting the Highlanders in control at
5-0.
Central Connecticut (1-9)
spoiled the shutout in the sixth inning as they put up two
runs on UCR starting pitcher Janell Jackson.
Jackson (3-7) would pick
up the win for the Highlanders as she allowed two runs on
five hits in seven innings of work. Monroe took the loss for
Central Connecticut as she allowed three runs on five hits
in 5.2 innings of work.
In the early game the SDSU
(21-16) won the pitchers duel in a 2-0 shutout over the Highlanders.
The Aztecs picked up the
fist run of the game in the fifth inning when Caron hit an
RBI single down the left field line platting Boyer, who had
walked, giving SDSU a one run lead.
SDSU would add the final
run of the game in the bottom of the sixth when Murphy reached
on an error by UCR second basemen Buck putting the game at
it’s final of 2-0.
Sophomore shortstop Shannon
Peterson spoiled the no hitter for SDSU’s Richards in
the third inning as she singled to the second basemen, recording
the only hit of the game for UCR.
Kim Dillon (5-9) took the
loss for the Highlanders as she allowed two runs, one earned,
on three hits in seven innings pitched. SDSU’s Richards
picked up the win for the Aztecs as she allowed one hit in
seven innings pitched.
The Highlanders will be
back in action on Wed. March 24th as they will host Dartmouth
in a double header at the Amy S. Harrison Field. Game time
is slated for 12:30 p.m.
(Mar. 22, 2004) -The schedule
for the dedication ceremonies of the new Amy S. Harrison Field
were announced Monday by Director of Athletics Stan Morrison.
The ceremonies will take place between games of the Highlanders'
doubleheader against Dartmouth on Wednesday, March 24th.
The doubleheader begins
at 12:00 noon - one hour earlier than it's originally scheduled
time of 1:00 p.m. At the conclusion of the first game, approximately
2:00, the dedication ceremony will begin with Morrison serving
as master of ceremonies. Honored guests include Harrison,
Chancellor France A. Córdova, Head Coach Connie Miner,
and Big West Commissioner Dennis Farrell and Associate Commissioner
and softball liaison Jody McRoberts.
Following a brief ceremony
and the official unveiling of the name, Harrison will throw
out the "first pitch" on the field prior to the
start of the second game of the doubleheader at approximately
2:30. A luncheon will be served at the stadium at approximately
3:30 pm.
Admission to the games are
free and the public is invited to attend.
More Information
UCR
Marketing and Media Relations Release
(Mar. 24, 2004) -The UC
Riverside softball team (10-24) swept Dartmouth (2-7) today
at the Amy S. Harrison Field winning the first game 9-1 by
virtue of the mercy rule, and held on to win the late game
7-6.
In the opening game the
Highlanders took a 3-0 advantage into the fourth and in the
bottom of the fourth the Highlanders bats exploded as UCR
put up four more runs on for hits. The excitement started
with Jeannie Robison reached on a fielder’s choice allowing
Sarah Smallwood, who had singled, to score from second. On
the same play there was a controversial call at the plate
as Jamie Yee, who reached on an error, appeared to beat the
throw at the plate with a head first dive. The home plate
umpire called her out claming that she never touched the plate,
negating the run for UCR. The Highlanders would get that run
back as Eliizabeth Buck hit a triple to right field scoring
Robison pushing the lead up to 5-0. The next batter, Melissa
Sanchez, hit an RBI single up the middle scoring Buck. UCR
would finish off the scoring in this inning when Jennifer
Thompson hit an RBI single to the pitcher scoring Jessica
Black, who reached on a fielder’s choice, giving UCR
a 7-0 cushion headlining into the fifth.
The Big Green scored their
only run of the game in the fifth Adrienne Draper flied out
to centerfield allowing Kerry Conway to score from third,
spoiling the shut out for UCR Starter Kim Dillon.
UCR would put the game
out of reach in the sixth as they put up two more runs giving
them a 9-1 mercy rule victory.
Dillon (5-9) picked up
the win for UCR allowing one run on five hits in six innings
of work. Karin Edwardson (0-1) took the loss for the Big Green
allowing six runs on six hits in 3.1 innings of work.
In the late game UCR again
jumped out to an early lead as in the second they put up three
runs on two hits. Shannon Peterson got things started for
UCR as she hit an RBI single to right field allowing Thompson
to score from third. Yee then hit an RBI single up the middle
plating Angie Castellanos, who reached on an error, and Liana
Alston, who reached on a fielder’s choice, pushing the
lead to three.
The Big Green got two back
in the fourth as Jodee Thompson hit a home run of UCR starter
Janell Jackson allowing Adrienne Draper to score cutting the
lead to one.
The Highlanders would respond
in the fifth as they put up three more runs. Buck, who had
singled, scored the first run on a wild pitch. Castellanos
was responsible for the other two runs as she doubled to left
platting Thompson and Marielle Decker, who was pinch running
for Sanchez, giving UCR a four run lead at 6-2.
After surrendering two
more runs by the Big Green in the sixth UCR got both runs
back in their half of the inning. Dartmouth’s Brittany
Copernhaver, who was pitching in relief of starting pitcher
Lisa Caruso, surrendered back-to-back doubles to Buck and
Sanchez allowing UCR to pull a head 7-4.
Dartmouth put on a scary
rally in the sixth as they pulled to within one. Alicia Petryk
got things started for the Big Green when she doubled in Draper,
who singled in the other run of the inning, cutting UCR’s
lead to one. However, Dillon, pitching in relief of Jackson,
put them on ice not allowing the Big Green to score again.
Jackson (4-7) picked up
the win for the Highlanders allowing six runs on five hits
in 6.2 innings of work. Dillon picked up the save for UCR.
Caruso took the loss for the Big Green allowing three runs
on five hits in four innings of work.
The Highlander will be
back in action this weekend as they travel to Stanford to
take part in the Stanford Classic.
(March 26, 2004) - The UC
Riverside softball team dropped two on the opening day of
play in the Stanford Classic today at the Smith Family Stadium
losing the first game to Brigham Young, 9-5 and losing the
nightcap to No. 12 Stanford, 3-1.
In game one the Highlanders
(10-26) wasted no time scoring as they put up two runs in
the bottom of the first. Sophomore third basemen Melissa Sanchez
got things started for UCR with her RBI single to left field
scoring sophomore Jamie Yee, who had singled, to give the
Highlanders a 1-0 lead. The second run of the inning came
when the bases were loaded and BYU pitcher Ariel Capra hit
UCR’s Jennifer Thompson with a pitch allowing Eliizabeth
Buck, who had singled, to score from third.
The Cougars (15-8) then
put up four runs on the Highlanders over the next two innings
before UCR got one back in the third as Sanchez singled up
the middle bringing across Jeanine Robison, who had walked,
which cut the Highlanders deficit down to one run at 4-3.
UCR surrendered five more
runs to BYU over the next three innings before trying to put
on a seventh inning rally. In the bottom of the seventh Jessica
Black doubled to left center platting Buck, who had walked,
and Sanchez, who singled, to cut the lead down to four. UCR
would go no further as the next two batters would ground out
leaving the game at it’s final score of 9-5.
UCR’s Kim Dillon
(6-10) took the loss for the Highlanders allowing seven runs
on eight hits in four innings of work. Capra picked up the
win for the Cougars allowing three runs on five hits in 6.2
innings of work.
In the nightcap the Highlanders kept pace with the 12th ranked
Stanford Cardinal as they junior pitcher Courtney Nix seemed
to be shutting down the high powered Cardinal offense only
allowing Stanford to one run through five innings.
UCR tied things up in the
sixth when Sanchez blasted a solo home run over the centerfield
fence putting the score at 1-1.
Stanford (24-7) then answered
with the final two runs of the game in the sixth leaving the
game with a final of 3-1.
Nix (0-7) picked up the
loss for the Highlanders allowing three runs on nine hits
in five innings of work. Laura Severson picked up the win
for Stanford allowing one run on eight hits in seven innings
of work.
The Highlanders will be
back in action tomorrow as they will continue play in the
Stanford Classic as they will play the University of Hawaii
at 12:00 noon and they will also play the University of Chicago
Illinois at 6:00 p.m.
(March 28, 2004) - The UC
Riverside softball team lost 2-0 to Illinois in the third-place
game of the Stanford Classic to finish in fourth place.
Scoreless through five and
a half innings, Illinois broke through with a one-out triple
to the wall in right-center field and plated the run on a
single. A stolen base set up a runner on second and a slap-single
through the right side scored the second run.
UCR managed two hits while
Illinois had six.
Sara Radabaugh was charged
with the loss.
(March 27, 2004) - The UC
Riverside softball team lost both games in the second day
of the Stanford Classic Saturday losing to Hawaii, 5-0, and
then to Illinois, 4-0.
UH's Melissa Coogan (6-9)
went the distance striking out six Highlanders and walking
two. She scattered three hits as the offense game her late
run support.
The game was tied heading
into the fourth when UH broke the ice adding one run. The
Wahine added another run in the fifth on Dahlberg's solo homer
to left on UCR losing pitcher Kimberly Dillon, who lasted
only 4.2 innings before reliever Sara Radabaugh went the final
2.1 frames.
UH tacked on some insurance
runs in the seventh to complete the 5-0 shutout.
In game two Illinois jumped
ahead early, scoring once in the second inning and again in
the third and in the sixth pushed two more runs across.
UC Riverside falls to 8-27
on the year with the two losses and will face Illinois again
in the third-place game on Sunday.
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