April 3, 2001

Box Score

Stony Brook, N.Y. - The Stony Brook softball team (9-9) pulled off an exciting win in its home opener against Fairfield (20-14-1) and nearly pulled off another in the nightcap as the Seawolves split with the Stags on Tuesday afternoon at Seawolves Field.

Playing for the first time on a brand-new softball field on the Stony Brook campus, the teams battled in a defensive dual for the first five and a half innings of game one. Stags pitcher Melissa Santos, who came into the game with 137 strikeouts to her credit and an ERA of 1.14, quickly took command as she struck out seven batters in the first five innings, en route to a total of nine on the afternoon. But it was Stony Brook who would strike first. In the bottom of the sixth, lead-off Cass Broadwater doubled to left field and Corrine Vish followed with a bunt. After Vish was caught stealing, Jen Milito came to the plate still looking for her first hit of the afternoon. It would come at a crucial time, as she crushed a double that sent Broadwater home. Third baseman Tory Menchise continued the offensive onslaught, as her double to center plated Milito. Fairfield was unable to counter as the Seawolves held on for the shutout.

SBU's Stephanie Poetzsch earned her third shutout of the year with the win. Poetzsch gave up just five hits and one walk and struck out seven batters.

Game two would prove to be another thrilling affair, despite an early 3-0 Stags lead. It didn't take long for Fairfield to pull ahead, as a pair of doubles and a single in the second led to three early runs. Poetzsch came in to relieve freshman Lindsey DeLaRosa in the third, and she helped the Seawolves hold Fairfield at bay for the next seven innings. In the bottom of the seventh, SBU staged a furious comeback to even the game at 3-3. Sam Foronjy, who went 3-for-5 in game two, singled and advanced to second on a passed ball. Poetzsch's single advanced Foronjy to third. Broadwater came to the plate with runners at first and third, and responded with a single to right field that sent Foronjy home. After Vish's groundout that put pinch-runner Kate Deck at third and Broadwater at second, Milito once again proved to be a clinch performer. Her single brought both Broadwater and Deck home and the game was sent to extra innings.

DeLaRosa re-entered and Stony Brook managed to hold the Stags off until the 10th inning, when Karyn Kennedy drove home Laura Sandonato for the deciding run. Stony Brook loaded the bases in the bottom of the inning but were unable to capitalize, and their late rally came up just short with the 4-3 setback.

DeLaRosa picked up the loss, giving up four runs on eight hits in five and two-thirds innings. Poetzsch struck out five and yielded just three hits in four and a third innings.

The Seawolves return to action on Thursday, April 5, when they host Rider in a doubleheader that begins at 2:30 p.m.