PHILADELPHIA, PA 4/7/2012 – The Drexel Dragons softball team went into the final game of the series looking for a sweep against the Tigers of Towson, but lost the final game of the series as Katie Lingmai threw a no-hitter, striking out four batters giving the Tigers a 2 – 0 victory at Drexel Field. Drexel took the previous two games. While happy with winning the series Drexel Coach Kim Camara knows the team has to show more offense.
“The bats have to come around, and it doesn’t matter how many runs they score if we score zero we’re never going to win,” Camara said. “We need to make adjustments at the plate. Give her (Lingmai) credit, she threw a great game. We just have to be better with the bats.”
The game did not appear that Drexel suffer a no-no. Lead-off hitter Hanna Parrish lifted a fly ball to right center that drifted in the wind. The ball fell out of the glove of Towson Brianna Jones resulting in a three-base error. However, Lingmai got out of trouble to send the inning. It was the only real opportunity to score for the Dragons. Starting pitcher Hillary Allen did not give up much to Towson. Allen struck out nine over her seven innings of work, her season high. This came against a team she beat the previous day.
“Hillary did a great job,” said Camara. “She came up against the same hitters she faced the day before and that’s always tough. She threw hard, threw with fire, and threw with heart. That’s all we can ask for and that is when she is at her best.”
Allen gave up 9 hits and 2 earned runs. Those came in the top of the 4th inning. Second baseman Hailey Stueckler led off with a single then stole second. Designated Hitter Macie McGeehan was hit by a pitch. Catcher Jillian Donnelly scored Stueckler with an RBI single, then McGeehan scored when left fielder Kelly Lyons grounded out. Towson threatened in the 6th with Donnelly on second, first baseman Amanda Stevenson singled to center. Donnelly attempting to score was thrown out at home plate by Drexel center fielder Comfort Ahonkhai.
The Dragons will need to bounce back when they meet LaSalle on Tuesday at home. The came off wins against Towson of 2 – 1 and 4 – 3 to fall back on. This Drexel team is quite spirited, and according to Camara that will be a factor in their ability to put the no-hitter behind them.
“They are proud of themselves, and I am proud of them for winning the weekend,” said Camara. “This will be a factor in us getting to where we need to be in the conference tournament. It’s tough to beat a team three times no matter what. We’ll be able to bounce back. We have a lot of spirit and a lot of drive. They want it and they are going to go get it.”
Boxscore
Written By: Glenn Papazian
Be the first to comment