University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts
USF
UMass Softball Falls To South Florida, 1-0
March 13, 2009 | Softball
March 13, 2009
CLEARWATER, Fla. - USF's Candace Howell held UMass to just one-hit to lead the host Bulls to a 1-0 victory over the #21/14 Minutewomen at the USF Under Armour Showcase on Friday night. Whitney Mollica recorded the only UMass hit, while the Bulls had nine hits off Brandice Balschmiter, six of which were infield hits. The Minutewomen fall to 9-5 on the season, while USF goes to 21-10.
Howell (5-3) pitched 6 1/3 innings, allowing just the one hit, while striking out seven and walking three. Cristi Ecks recorded the final two outs for the save. Balschmiter (8-3) went the distance for UMass, striking out eight and walking one.
The lone run of the game was scored in the top of the second inning. Janine Richardson led off with a single to right field and was bunted over to second base. She was then awarded third base when an illegal pitch was called on Balschmiter. Ashley Bullion followed with a sharp single to left that plated Richardson.
UMass threatened in the fourth inning. Carly Normandin led off with a walk but was thrown out stealing. A walk to Whitney Williams and Mollica's single followed, giving the Minutewomen runners at first and third with one out, but Howell was able to get a strikeout and a fly out to end the inning.
The Minutewomen worked two walks in the bottom of the seventh, giving them two on with one out, but Ecks came in to get back-to-back strikeouts to end the game.
Earlier in the day, UMass defeated Central Michigan, 6-0, for Balschmiter's 100th career victory.
The Minutewomen return to action at the USF Under Armour Showcase on Saturday when they take on Loyola Marymount at 11 a.m. That game will be immediately followed by a 1 p.m. match-up with Jacksonville.
