University of Minnesota Athletics
Gopher Softball Falls Out of NCAA Region Tournament
5/18/2002 12:00:00 AM | Softball
A triple RBI in the bottom of the first inning by the DePaul Blue Demons, set the tone for game ten of the 2002 NCAA Region II Championships in Minneapolis this evening. The Blue Demons got on the scoreboard when April Valdez tripled to left center, advancing Shavaughne Desecki to home plate followed by Sarah Martz and Liz Bouck. Minnesota pitcher Piper Marten was relieved at the circle by Angie Recknor. DePaul's Gina Ramacci hit a sacrifice fly to centerfield allowing Valdez to score, giving the Blue Demons the 4-0 edge.
DePaul continued to play strong, with pinch runner Laura Visin (in for Gina Ramacci) advancing to second on a single and stealing third in the bottom of the fourth. A single by Katy Kukman brought Visin home, bringing the Blue Devils to a 5-0 lead over the Gophers.
In the top of the sixth inning, Minnesota answered with a homerun by Jordanne Nygren which brought Stephanie Sward and Tammi Hays home and brought the score to 5-3, DePaul. The home run ended Blue Demons pitcher Lindsay Chouinard's streak of 49 and 2/3 innings without an unearned run, 43 and 2/3 of which came in regional tournament action. However, Minnesota's attack was not enough to top DePaul. The final score was DePaul 5, Minnesota 3.
"Throughout the tournament this team has matured a lot, Minnesota co- head coach Julie Standering said. "We had one starter that had seen postseason play. The fight, tenacity and never give up attitude.I was very pleased with that."
DePaul advances to play Arizona tomorrow in the championship game at 12 noon. If Arizona wins, they have take the title, but if DePaul wins, another game will follow at 2:30 to determine the 2002 NCAA Region II Champion.
