2008 Woodie Awards
Pitching gem helps Rangers split tough conference games
Nathan Hoffman
Issue date: 4/11/08 Section: Sports
For the third straight series, the Rangers earned a split in doubleheaders. The most recent split came on the road against Landmark Conference opponents Susquehanna University. The result could have been worse, although it was disappointing for the Rangers who, with three wins and three losses, are trying to climb the standings in the Landmark Conference. "We've split wins and losses at every conference doubleheader," utility Kati Eggert ('11) said. "I know our team is not satisfied with this .500, because we want more W's on the board... and we're willing to fight for them."
The Rangers, fresh off a bus trip to Sellinsgrove, Pa. started off the doubleheader on the right foot. The offense in the first game was kept to a minimum. It was a classic pitchers duel between Drew's ace Lauren Collini ('09) and Susquehanna's Bekah Bennett. Collini was brilliant from beginning to end.
Collini did not allow a base runner until the fifth inning, when she walked a batter who was subsequently gunned down trying to swipe second base by catcher Nicole Spiotta ('11). Collini did not allow a base hit until the next inning yet Susquehanna's Bennett pushed the game into extra innings.
Although the Rangers squandered some prime scoring opportunities in the game, they finally broke through in the eighth. Eggert led off the inning with a single and was advanced up a base with Nicole Spiotta's sacrifice bunt. Kerry Crowley ('08), who is in the midst of a monster offensive season, came through big at the plate again for the Rangers.
Crowley hit a single which brought home Eggert and gave the Rangers a 1-0 lead, which Collini managed to hold on to for a big win.
Collini's pitching was really the highlight of the game. Through eight innings she allowed just three hits with no runs, while striking out eight Susquehanna batters.
In the next game, the Rangers were victims of stellar pitching from Susquehanna's Cara Swerdlow.
The Rangers did have room for optimism in the early going, as they picked up a run in the first inning on an RBI double by outfielder Nicole Gagliardi ('08).
The Rangers, fresh off a bus trip to Sellinsgrove, Pa. started off the doubleheader on the right foot. The offense in the first game was kept to a minimum. It was a classic pitchers duel between Drew's ace Lauren Collini ('09) and Susquehanna's Bekah Bennett. Collini was brilliant from beginning to end.
Collini did not allow a base runner until the fifth inning, when she walked a batter who was subsequently gunned down trying to swipe second base by catcher Nicole Spiotta ('11). Collini did not allow a base hit until the next inning yet Susquehanna's Bennett pushed the game into extra innings.
Although the Rangers squandered some prime scoring opportunities in the game, they finally broke through in the eighth. Eggert led off the inning with a single and was advanced up a base with Nicole Spiotta's sacrifice bunt. Kerry Crowley ('08), who is in the midst of a monster offensive season, came through big at the plate again for the Rangers.
Crowley hit a single which brought home Eggert and gave the Rangers a 1-0 lead, which Collini managed to hold on to for a big win.
Collini's pitching was really the highlight of the game. Through eight innings she allowed just three hits with no runs, while striking out eight Susquehanna batters.
In the next game, the Rangers were victims of stellar pitching from Susquehanna's Cara Swerdlow.
The Rangers did have room for optimism in the early going, as they picked up a run in the first inning on an RBI double by outfielder Nicole Gagliardi ('08).
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