Softball Earns 5-2 Victory Over Delaware After Nine Innings

Sunday, April 6

Newark, Del.

12:00 p.m.

Drexel University

13-14, 2-4

Delaware

16-17, 4-4

Drexel

Delaware

Photo by: Greg Carroccio

Softball Earns 5-2 Victory Over Delaware After Nine Innings

4/6/2014 3:30:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

Newark, Del. – The Drexel softball team defeated Delaware, 5-2 in nine innings of play in the final match-up of a three game series between the two Colonial Athletic Association teams. The competition remained tied at 1-1 at the end of the seventh and through the eighth, but the Dragons broke the game open in the top of the ninth by adding four runs and ultimately securing the victory.

Delaware picked up its first run in the bottom of the second as Jessica Grisler drew a walk with the bases loaded. The Blue Hens held a 1-0 lead until the top of the fifth, when Comfort Ahonkhai led off with a single to left field and then advanced from first to third on a sacrifice bunt by Jennie Himler. Leticia Matsuoka then put a ball into play to drive in Ahonkhai and was safe at first on a fielder's choice.

The game remained a pitcher's duel through eight innings, until the Dragons put up four runs in the top of the ninth to take the lead. The inning began with another Ahonkhai single, followed by a sacrifice bunt from Ashley Panetta to move her over to second. Matsuoka took first after being intentionally walked and Vanessa Lightfoot followed by drawing a walk to load the bases. Shelby Taylor came to the plate and hit a 2-RBI single to left field to drive in the go-ahead run. The inning continued as Kim Chan reached on a fielder's choice. On the same play, Lightfoot advanced to third on a throwing error but then was thrown out at home trying to take an extra base. With two outs and two runners on, Liana Newton sent a double to right field to bring in two more runs and give the Dragons a 5-1 lead.

Delaware would add one more run in the bottom of the ninth, but Taylor was able to retire the side and pick up her ninth win of the season.

With the win Drexel improves to 13-14 overall and 2-4 in CAA competition, while Delaware moves to 16-17, 4-4 CAA. The Dragons return to action on Wednesday when they travel to Monmouth to face the Hawks in a single game starting at 4:00 p.m.