KUTZTOWN, PA (April 9, 2010) – That's more like it for the Kutztown University softball team.
The Golden Bears snapped a rare three-game skid by sweeping Millersville University, 4-3 and 4-0 in a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division doubleheader at North Campus Field Friday afternoon. (GAME 1 BOXSCORE) / (GAME 2 BOXSCORE)
On a bone-chillingly brisk day where the wind whipped relentlessly with the fury of a growling bear, fans were bundled beneath blankets while others wore gloves, winter hats and sweatshirts. The Golden Bears (29-12, 9-3) conquered the chilly conditions to remain a game behind PSAC East leader West Chester. Millersville fell to 16-21 overall and 3-9 in the PSAC East.
In the opener, Kutztown secured its 13th one-run victory this season.
“In weather like this, you just have to be mentally tough and fight through it,” junior Krista Tedjeske said. “Fly balls were tough but we weren't concerned with the conditions. We just wanted to try and get two wins today.”
Katie Lynch drove in two runs for Kutztown in the nightcap. Nicole Colineri and Maria Schiavo had two hits each for the Golden Bears in the second game. It was the 15th time this season Schiavo has enjoyed a multi-hit effort. For Colineri, it was her ninth multi-hit performance of the season.
Combining for the shutout was Monica Glomb, who pitched the first three innings and Katlin Arbogast, who hurled the final four innings.
One of the highlights of the second game was Sarah Couch's pinch hit RBI double in the fourth inning that doubled KU's advantage from 1-0 to 2-0. Couch's double according to several eyewitnesses was a stinger that landed just inside the leftfield line. It resembled a shooting star with a comet's trail following it. Couch has been making a living this season coming through in the clutch.
“I just always try and stay ready,” Couch said. “It's a good feeling to know that you're being counted on to contribute and produce. To stay sharp, I just mentally prepare and I try not to think too much.”
In the opening game, the Golden Bears pounded out seven hits and scored three of their runs in the second inning. The hitting stars for Kutztown were Tedjeske and Brianna Knipe, each of whom finished with a pair of hits. It was the eighth time this season Tedjeske has enjoyed a multi-hit game.
Nicole Henninger's two-run single in the second was the big blow as it swelled KU's slim 1-0 edge to 3-0. Tedjeske's two-out double in the fifth inning expanded KU's lead to 4-1. Lynch also had a double for the Golden Bears.
That was more than enough for Arbogast, who tossed her 91st career complete game with an efficient effort. Arbogast allowed seven hits and struck out four batters in the opener. After striking out three batters in the second game, Arbogast has 950 for her career.
However, securing the win wasn't easy for the Golden Bears. Millersville scored two runs in the top of the seventh inning and had the potential tying run on base when Colineri caught the final out of the first game.
Kutztown returns to action Saturday afternoon when it hosts Gannon University in a PSAC crossover contest starting at Noon. The time was changed from its original 1 p.m, slot.
