Spring Break
Softball splits doubleheader with George Washington
Chris Smith
Issue date: 4/21/09 Section: Sports
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Sunday afternoon at the URI Softball Complex, freshman pitcher Jayshree Narendran pitched a complete game two-hit shutout to aid the Rams' comeback. She retired 21-of-23 batters striking out a season-high eight batters.
"She did a great job today," head coach Erin Layton said. "She had a no hitter for awhile. She gave us exactly what we needed. The beauty of it is this is what she has been capable of doing all year."
Sophomore Amanda Sbei and freshman Brittany Julich were a combined 8-for-8 from the plate in game two leading the Rams on their way to 11 hits.
"I've been all over them," Layton said. "Amanda's struggled a little bit. We talked about it this morning. She knew what I was looking for her to do. She really has the ability to be a triple threat for us. Brittany had a great day yesterday and carried that over today. That's what we need from the top of our order."
In game one GW took an early 2-0 lead in the first inning on a two out, two-run home run by Elisa Van Kirk. Rhody cut the lead to one in the third inning as senior Stefani Poedubicky scored on a throwing error by the Colonials.
In the seventh GW added to its lead on another two-out home run putting them up 3-1. The Rams had one last opportunity in the bottom half of the inning with two on and two out, but freshman Nicole Massoni struck out ending the game.
Senior starting pitcher Odalys Torres fell to 0-8 on the year allowing three runs on seven hits.
In game two it was the Rams who struck early. Sbei hit a lead off single, but was thrown out at the plate on a Julich double. After two walks, junior Darci Borden hit an RBI single to put the Rams in front 2-0. Rhody added to their lead in the second as Julich doubled again scoring Sbei and Poedubicky.
"As a lead off hitter, it's nice to start off the game good and get the team going," Sbei said. "It felt good getting back into the groove of things."
Melissa Wilson singled home Julich putting Rhody up 5-0. The Rams added another run in the fourth and one in the sixth taking the game 7-0.
Rhody, now winners of six of their last eight, will head to Boston College on Wednesday for an afternoon doubleheader.
"Since we've gotten on this streak beginning with the sweep against Hartford and the win against Bryant, I think we are learning how to win," Sbei said. "I think we're getting more confident. We know we can beat these teams."
Courtney Prendergastt injured her knee during game one of the doubleheader and Layton updated her status afterwards.
"Bridget, our trainer, said it is too early to figure out whether it's her ligament or what's going on, but she really did jam it into the ground," Layton said. "She had bruising right away so we are concerned."
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