April 27, 2000

Stony Brook, N.Y. - The Stony Brook softball team (4-29) split with Columbia (13-17-2) in their home finale on Thursday afternoon, winning the first game 1-0 and falling in the nightcap, 8-5.

The Seawolves took the 1-0 lead in game one when Tricia Lipareli reached home on an error by catcher Jenn Caviness, and USB held on for the victory. Pitcher Stephanie Poetzsch (3-15) registered her second shutout of the season as she gave up only four hits, striking out 10. Lipareli went 1-for-2 at the plate, recording a double and a run scored.

In game two, Stony Brook opened up a 2-0 lead in the first inning as the Seawolves collected three hits to start the game. Lipareli's RBI double scored Corrine Vish, and Tory Menchise's single drove in Lipareli for the lead. But the Lions came back, going ahead 3-2 in the third as Emily Doyle's single scored April Jarvis and Anne-Marie Ebner's single drove in Doyle. April Jarvis' shot over the left field fence in the fifth extended the lead to 4-2.

However, the Seawolves came back in the bottom of the seventh to tie the score 4-4. Christie McMurray's RBI double scored Sue Westing, and Lauren Ruane's single drove in Lipareli for the tying run, sending the game to a decisive eighth inning. The Lions took control in the final inning, recording four runs on four hits, including a homer by Debbie Kaplan. USB's Kate Deck's run in the bottom of the eighth would bring the Seawolves to within 8-5, but they could get no closer.

Tory Mechise led Stony Brook at the plate, going 2-for-4 with an RBI. Sam Foronjy was 2-for-3. Cassie Rupp (1-14) picked up the loss on the mound, giving up eight runs on 11 hits and striking out three.

Stony Brook concludes its season at Dartmouth, taking on the Big Green in a doubleheader on Saturday at 1 p.m.