NCAA ATLANTIC REGIONAL: KU advances to championship, with 4-3 win over California (Pa.)

INDIANA, Pa. (May 15, 2011)—Nicole Henninger (Reading, PA./Muhlenberg) used two consecutive errors by California University of Pennsylvania to score from first base in the bottom of the seventh inning to help Kutztown defeat California 4-3 in the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional at Podbielski Field Sunday afternoon. (BOXSCORE)

The Golden Bears (41-15) advanced to the championship round against host Indiana University of Pennsylvania (35-6) that will be played Monday, May 16 at 10 a.m. In order to advance to the Super Regionals, KU must beat IUP twice. Cal finished the season with an overall record of 29-14.

Daily admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students and senior citizens, and $2 for children 12 and under. No pets are allowed at Podbielski Field. (NCAA TOURNAMENT PAGE)

With the game tied 3-3, Henniger reached on an error by Vulcan shortstop Jillian Russell to lead off the bottom of the seventh. Katie Lynch (Willow Street, PA/Lampeter-Strasburg) laid down a sacrifice bunt and Cal pitcher Kaitlyn Schilling overthrew to first and when rightfielder Paige Onuska recovered the ball back to the infield, Henniger rounded the bases and slid home with the winning run.

KU stormed the field in excitement after earning a measure of payback from last year's NCAA Atlantic Regional where Cal eliminated Kutztown and ended its season.

Freshman pitcher Samantha Derr (Lititz, PA/Warwick) earned her 21st victory of the season. Derr allowed four hits and one earned run, walked one and struck out three. Derr's test came in the sixth inning when
Shelby Lia drove a long two-run homer over left center that tied the game. Derr quickly refocused and both her offense and defense backed her up.

“It was pretty impressive for Sam as a freshman pitcher to stay focused and not lose sight of the game,” Kutztown University head coach Judy Lawes said.

KU used its short game to capitalize off five Vulcan errors but it was right fielder Maria Isgro (Galloway, NJ/Absegami) who used the long ball to lead her team with three hits. Isgro's hot spot for the day was left center as she had two singles and a double.

“I really wanted to win today,” Isgro said. “I had a good warm-up and it's great to move on. Anything that was close I swung at. We have to make sure that we don't let up against IUP tomorrow. We have to get some hits and make sure that our defense is just as well.”

If Isgro and the Golden Bears bring their bats to Monday's championship round, KU won't have any problem against the Crimson Hawks.

“Isgro has a great swing and was stinging the ball all day,” Lawes said. “She's been a great hitter for us all year long and that's why she's in the three-hole. She's consistent, calm, and she knows the strike zone. She's only a sophomore but she plays like a senior.”

The Golden Bears had a 3-0 lead in the second inning. Krista Tedjeske (Summerhill, PA/Forest Hill) led off with a double and pinch runner Nicole Colineri (Scotch Plains, NJ/Scotch Plains-Fanwood) scored on a single by Morgan Booth (Stroudsburg, PA/Stroudsburg). Jackie Hetzler (Sewell, NJ/Washington Township)'s bunt single drove in Booth, and Hetzler later stole third and scored when Vulcan catcher Natalie Wideman threw the ball into leftfield.

“It's great to beat Cal,” Lawes. “They have a good program and are very well coached. Every team here is well deserved and we want to keep on playing.”

Due to the heavy rain, KU has time to relax before the big game. The Golden Bears have played Indiana twice this year and lost both games 3-1 and 2-1. However KU has high hopes and is ready for the challenge. Third time's a charm and the Golden Bears can't wait for the chance to advance to the NCAA Atlantic Super Regional against Bloomsburg Friday.

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