University of Minnesota Athletics
Dalen's Single in Eighth Gives Gophers 1-0 Win
4/18/2009 12:00:00 AM | Softball
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. Senior right fielder Katie Dalen came up with a dramatic RBI single to left field in the bottom of the eighth inning, scoring pinch runner Chonquita Jones with the winning run in a 1-0 victory for the Gophers in the second game of a doubleheader with Penn State Saturday afternoon at Jane Sage Cowles Stadium.
The win allowed Minnesota (22-25) to split a pair of games with the Nittany Lions (16-20), as the teams remain tied in the Big Ten standings at 5-7.
Dalen went 2-for-4 at the plate for the Gophers, while senior shortstop Colleen Conway collected two bunt singles in three at bats. Jones pinch ran for junior left fielder Heidi Carls, who singled to right center with one out in the eighth. Jones then advanced to second by stealing her first career base, and beat the throw to the plate for the big win.
"Katie did a great job at the plate all day, and her hard work paid off with two hits, including the game-winner," Minnesota co-head coach Lisa Bernstein said. "Katie works so hard at practice every day, and it’s nice to see her effort help propel our team to a victory."
Minnesota senior pitcher Briana Hassett worked all eight innings for her 31 complete game of the season, allowing just three hits for her 13 shutout of the season. Hassett combined for 19 strikeouts in the two games, increasing her single-season school record total to 355 this year.
"Briana has been amazing all season, and she is a true leader," Minnesota co-head coach Julie Standering said. "Her presence on the mound is imposing for the teams that we face, and she has had an unbelievable senior season."
Minnesota had a scoring threat going in the bottom of the third inning, when Conway reached on a two-out bunt single, and advanced to third on a single to right field by freshman second baseman Sammie Howard. The Nittany Lions then pitched around sophomore first baseman Malisa Barnes to load the bases, but senior catcher Shannon Stemper fouled out to the first baseman to end the frame.
Penn State threatened in the top of the eighth when Shana Madura led off by drawing a walk, advanced to second on a passed ball, and moved up to third on a grounder to second. Ashley Griffith then reached on a fielder’s choice, with Conway making a great play to hold Madura at third base. After Griffith stole second base, though, Hassett retired Sam Hovanec on a popup to second base and struck out designated player Lisa Akamine to keep Penn State scoreless.
The Gophers return to action when they travel to Wisconsin for two games against the Badgers on Wednesday. The games will be televised live on Big Ten Network, with Marney Gellner handling the play-by-play, Stacey Phillips adds color commentary. First pitch is slated for 4:00 p.m. (CDT).
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