Tuesday, April 26, 2005

Valparaiso's bats were alive in the opening game of the doubleheader with Saint Joseph's (Ind.) on Tuesday afternoon as the Crusaders posted a 5-0 shutout victory at the Valparaiso University Softball Field. The Pumas bounced back in the nightcap with a 2-0 victory.

The Crusaders put three runs on the board in the second inning on four hits. Three straight singles with one out got the rally started, including RBI hits by Ann Sievert (Davenport, Iowa/Assumption H.S.) and Kelly Silvey (Indianapolis, Ind./Bishop Chatard H.S.). With two outs, Megan Carroll (Eaton Rapids, Mich./Eaton Rapids H.S.) drove home the final run of the frame with a single.

Valpo added an unearned run in the third on an RBI triple to center by Shannon Robinson (Toronto, Ont./John Redmond H.S.). Sievert, who went 3-for-3 in the game, added the final run in the fourth inning, leading off with a triple and scoring on a delayed double steal.

In the circle, Chris Halstead (Indianapolis, Ind./Cathedral H.S.) went five strong innings allowing just two hits and one walk while striking out four. Andrea Zappia (Indianapolis, Ind./Franklin Central H.S.) came on for the final two innings, allowing just one single.

In game two, Ashley Heatwole limited Crusader bats to just three hits while striking out six in the shutout effort. Saint Joseph's (23-21) jumped in front in the opening inning on an RBI single by Jessi Privett. Three hits, culminating in an RBI single by Michelle Ellis, plated the final run in the third inning.

Brittany Atteberry (Schererville, Ind./Lake Central H.S.) went five innings, allowing nine hits and two walks while striking out four. Kayla Grutz (Bellevue, Iowa/Bellevue H.S.) went the final two innings.

Valparaiso (8-35-1) will return to the diamond on Wednesday as the Crusaders host DePaul in doubleheader action. First pitch is slated for 3 p.m.