University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Pitt
Syracuse (BEC)
Softball Falls 2-1 In Heart Breaker
5/12/2011 12:00:00 AM | Softball
May 12, 2011
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--Pinch runner Jessica Rhodunda scored the first run of the game, however, the University of Pittsburgh softball team was eliminated from the 2011 Big East Championships with a heart-breaking 2-1 loss to third-seeded Syracuse in the quarterfinals at Ulmer Stadium. The Panthers slipped to 34-17 on the year, while the Orange improved to 42-11 overall.
Pitt held a one-run lead after senior Ashley Amistade's infield single bounced passed Syracuse's third baseman and allowed Rhodunda to score the first run of the game. Rhodunda was on base after first baseman Ciera Damon broke up the no-hitter for pitcher Jenna Caira with a base hit in the third inning.
Then after six scoreless innings for the Orange, an single into left field that scored two runs for Syracuse. Those runs ended the shutout All-Big East pitcher Alyssa O'Connell (15-5) was throwing with the bases loaded and one out registered on the scoreboard, O'Connell had given up just three hits in the previous six innings of action. She collected four strikeouts and walked just two in the contest.
The Orange out-hit Pitt, 6-3. Syracuse also stranded eight runners, while the Panthers left three on base. Pitt looked as if they were going to score when All-Big East third baseman Kelly Hmiel tallied an infield single in the fourth inning. Right fielder Yvette Bravo joined her on base when she accepted her 18th walk of the season. Hmiel and Bravo were moved into scoring position when short stop Niki Cognigni laid down a sacrifice bunt for the second out of the inning. However, both runners were left stranded with a ground ball on the next at-bat.
The Panthers made several key defensive stops through the first six scoreless innings. In the bottom of the second O'Connell recorded a strikeout with runners on and just one out on the board. On the following at-bat, Damon tracked down a ground ball and out-ran the base runner at first for the final out.
Later in the third inning with a runner at third and two outs on the board, Damon held off a tying run when she stretched into a split to keep Syracuse's third baseman off first. Cognigni recorded the assist on the play.
Hmiel also caught a line drive in the first inning.
This is the first time in program history the Panthers have recorded three consecutive winning seasons under one head coach. In just her third season, Holly Aprile has led the Panthers to 87 wins and two Big East Championship berths.
Pitt holds several school records, including overall wins (34), Big East wins (13), home runs (51) and shutouts (14).
The Panthers now await an at-large bid in the 2011 NCAA Championships.
