Falcons Nab a Victory Against the Rockets, Winning 3-1

Saturday, April 10

Bowling Green, Ohio

2:00 p.m.

Bowling Green State University

Toledo

Photo by: Doug Sampson

April 10, 2010 | Softball

Big bats and fast feet propel the Falcons to a triumphant victory of I-75 rivals.

By: by Hannah Archer, Athletic Communications Intern

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio—Head coach Shannon Salsburg and the Bowling Green State University softball squad tallied another win to their record today (April 10), as they defeated the Toledo Rockets 3-1. The BGSU softball team improves its record to 7-12 overall, 3-2 MAC, while the Rockets fall to 7-25 overall, 1-4 MAC.

Today's triumphant win over BGSU's I-75 rival was the result of an all-around team attack as six different Falcons in the lineup recorded hits, resulting in three runs scored.

BGSU vs. UT Box Score

Sophomore Rachel Proehl started the offensive attack early in the bottom of the first with a single to shortstop. Freshman Andrea Arney followed Proehl in the lineup, tapping down a sacrifice bunt and allowing Proehl to advance all the way to third. Paige Berger, who leads the team's batting average (.314), smashed a single through left field to bring Proehl home, recording the first run of the game and giving the Falcons a 1-0.

Able to keep the Rockets scoreless in the top of the second, the Falcons continued their offensive attack in the bottom of the inning. Senior Karmen Coffey launched the BGSU offense into action with a double to left field followed by a third-base steal—she leads the team in stolen bases, swiping 11-of-12—but reached home on a throwing error by Toledo's catcher, Mica Sanchez.

The Rockets fought back in the top of the third, recording one hit that resulted in one run. Rocket Kate Ricchio reached first on a walk, but was able to advance to home a play later by a double to right field by teammate Brooke Gates. The Rocket's first and final run narrowed BGSU's lead, but still the Falcons led 2-1.

BGSU scored their third and final run of the game in the bottom of the fourth, led by a single to third base by freshman Adrienne Dick. After entering the game as a pinch-runner for Dick, junior Lindsey Arney stole second, but scored the Falcons third run of the game on a double through center field by senior Susan Sontag.

With Arney's run putting the Falcons up 3-1 over the Rockets, BGSU was unable to capitalize on any the two hits Hannah Fulk and Proehl had in the fifth. In total, the Falcons had seven players left on base on the game.

Junior pitcher, Zada Lines led the Falcons from the mound, relieving junior Melissa Bott in the top of the fourth inning. In the 4.0 innings Lines pitched, she fanned four batters, walking only one and threw three hitless and scoreless innings. Since the start of the 2010 campaign, Lines has tallied a 4.77 ERA overall, and only a 1.65 ERA in MAC play. Lines win today improved her pitching record to 3-6 on the
season and 1-1 in MAC contests.

In other Falcon statistics from April 10, four Falcons smashed doubles, including Fulk, Andrea Arney, Sontag and Coffey; three record a stolen base, including Coffey, Sontag and Lindsey Arney; and the BGSU out-hit the Rockets 8-3.

The Falcons will look to sweep the Rockets two-game series tomorrow (April 11) afternoon. The second contest of the two-game series will take place at 1:00 p.m. at Meserve Softball Field. Live stats will be available and can be accessed by visiting www.BGSUFalcons.com.