KUTZTOWN, PA (April 28, 2010) – Senior pitcher Katlin Arbogast further enhanced her sterling legacy when she recorded her 1,000th career strikeout in the top of the sixth inning of Kutztown University's 5-1 non-conference victory over the University of the Sciences Wednesday afternoon at North Campus Field. (BOXSCORES WILL BE POSTED LATER)
Arbogast and fellow senior teammate Maria Schiavo enjoyed a memorable senior day afternoon as the Golden Bears also came back to beat USP, 2-0, in the nightcap of a doubleheader played in cold and windy conditions. With the victories, Kutztown improved its overall record to 41-16, meaning that Arbogast and Schiavo are the only set of teammates to lead KU to 40 or more wins in four straight seasons.
The affable Arbogast became the only pitcher in program history to reach the magical 1,000 strikeout mark after she fanned USP's Samantha Tu on a nasty 3-2 pitch that tailed away from her. Once the punch-out became official, the KU dugout erupted with loud cheers. The game was paused briefly as an announcement was made and the fluorescent green ball was tossed into the dugout for safe keeping.
“It's a huge relief to get the strikeouts, but more importantly, I am just glad that we were able to win the game,” Arbogast said. “My teammates had a countdown so it was definitely nice to finally get it. I threw a lot of screwballs and then finally I used a rise ball to finally get her. It's a huge honor. But really I was just happy that I was able to play for Kutztown and do my part to help us be successful.”
Arbogast entered the game needing five strikeouts. She finished with six to raise her career total to 1,001. Arguably the most decorated pitcher in Kutztown history, Arbogast holds school records in strikeouts, wins (97), games, saves (eight), complete games (98), shutouts (28), and innings pitched (904). USP's Mia Crotti ruined Arbogast's shutout when she hit a one-out home run in the seventh inning.
“I wanted to run in from centerfield and give her a hug,” Schiavo said. “I couldn't because we were in the middle of the game. I am so proud of her. She deserves everything because she's worked hard and is a good person.”
Schiavo and Arbogast were honored and recognized for their four years of service between games. They received nice gifts including a beautiful and large photo scrapbook, flowers and framed jerseys. Neither player cried although they both suspected that head softball coach Judy Lawes' eyes were a little moist underneath of her stylish shades.
“Both players have been important in helping us continue our winning tradition,” Lawes said. “We lost a lot of firepower from last year's team and they led the team this year. They are really unselfish and easy to coach. I think the kids played harder because of them. Katlin and Maria are just really good people and that's what I will remember most about both of them.”
Schiavo made her contribution in the opening game by collecting three hits, including two doubles. Teammate Katie Lynch also had three hits in the first game and two doubles.
The Golden Bears finally broke the game open by scoring four runs in the bottom of the fifth inning. Like she has done so many times in her career, Schiavo started the inning with a double. Maria Isgro followed with a single and Lynch drove home Schiavo with a run.
Nicole Henninger drove in two runs for the Golden Bears in the opener. She made a pair of productive outs, which resulted in a sacrifice fly and a groundout RBI. Michelle McGinty walked with the bases loaded to drive in another run.
In the second game, Lynch delivered Kutztown's first hit with two outs in the fourth inning. Henninger ripped a double to the gap in left centerfield that scored McGinty, who was pinch running. Henninger scored when Sarah Couch reached on an error. Those two runs was all the support winning pitcher Monica Glomb needed.
Glomb earned her 15th win of the season, ninth complete game and fourth shutout. She allowed five harmless hits. Glomb has been marvelous in the circle for the last three weeks for the Golden Bears.
“It's definitely bittersweet,” Arbogast said of playing possibly for the final time on North Campus Field. “I've developed a lot of great friends here and we've been a family. At the same time, I am excited to start something new.”
Kutztown now will relax, practice and heal any of its minor aches and pains. The Golden Bears, who are currently ranked third in the NCAA Atlantic Region, are expected to receive a bid to the 2010 NCAA Division Championship tournament. The pairings will be announced on Sunday May 9.
--KU --
