Feb. 22, 2008
Mason-Michigan Box Score
Mason-Auburn Box Score
ORLANDO - The George Mason softball team kicked off its 2008 campaign on Friday at the University of Central Florida Tournament and came away with a pair of close losses to Michigan, 1-0, and Auburn, 3-1. The Patriots fell to 0-2 following the day.
In the first game of the day, Mason opened its season with a narrow 1-0 loss to Big Ten foe Michigan. Sophomore Becky Anderson (0-1), an All-Rookie and All-CAA second team selection in 2007, hurled a complete game for the Patriots, allowing just five hits as she picked up the loss. For the 12th-ranked Wolverines, Jordan Taylor (4-1) picked up the win with a three-hit complete game shutout. Three Patriots recorded a hit against Michigan, as Anderson struck a double while senior Lesley Hassen and junior Kelsey Mack each singled.
Michigan began the game with a single from Teddi Ewing who would advance all the way to third base but did not score in the first inning. Mason sophomore Shaniqua Steele, the team's leadoff hitter, reached second base after a walk and a sacrifice bunt in the first inning. However, the Patriots' next runner in scoring position would not come until after Michigan had plated all the offense it would need.
Three straight two-out singles in the top of the fourth inning allowed Molly Bausher to cross home plate for the game-winning run. Bausher led off with a base hit to right-center field, then scored from second on a Nikki Nemetz single to right center after taking second on a passed ball. Nemetz, who would be out on a double play one batter later, recorded the game's lone RBI.
Anderson slammed the double off the centerfield wall to lead off the seventh inning, mere feet from tying the game. However, three straight strikeouts dealt by Taylor ended the Mason offensive threat and sealed the win.
Against Auburn, Mason scored its first run of the season in the top of the third inning as junior Meghan Hill led off with a single and scored on an RBI base hit to center field by Mack, who nearly put the Patriots ahead by two runs but was thrown out at home on a single by senior Kristin Dickel.
The Tigers answered back in the bottom of the fourth inning with three runs, providing all of the scoring it would need. Myesha Finney's RBI double, followed by a Katie Colton triple and an Starr Dorsey base hit plated each of the runs.
Angel Bunner (3-0) picked up the win for Auburn after pitching the third and fourth innings, while junior Paige Krystofinski (0-1) was saddled with the loss in a four-inning, four-hit outing.
Mason continues play at the UCF Tournament on Saturday, squaring off against Drake at 9:30 a.m. before facing the host Golden Knights at 1:30 p.m. at the UCF Softball Complex.
