March 8, 2009
Mason-Niagara Box Score
Mason-CCSU Box Score
George Mason Invitational Central
FAIRFAX, Va. - The George Mason softball team split its final two games of the George Mason Invitational, falling to Niagara 10-3 before rebounding with a 3-1 victory over Central Connecticut State on a warm Sunday afternoon at George Mason Field. The Patriots' record improved to 9-8 following the day's action.
In their first game of the day, Mason fell behind early to the Purple Eagles and could not overcome the deficit, as Niagara scored nine runs in the first three innings, the first five credited as unearned to Mason starter Miranda Cranford, who took the loss in a complete-game outing. Niagara Starter Julie DiMatteo earned the win, allowing three runs on five hits in six innings of work.
Those three Patriot runs all came in the bottom of the fifth inning. Sophomore Stephanie Strother hit an RBI single to left field, and after sophomore Kara Weiner scored from third base on a wild pitch, Strother crossed the plate on an RBI groundout by senior Alison Bryan.
Mason could not muster any more offense though, as the Purple Eagles held on for their first victory of the tournament.
After a short break, the Patriots returned to the field and, behind the strong pitching of junior Becky Anderson (6-3), Mason finished the weekend with a 3-2 record.
Anderson held the Blue Devils to just three hits and one unearned run while fanning seven Niagara batters in earning the victory. CCSU starter Liz Montemurro earned the loss, allowing two runs on five hits in five innings of work.
It was the Patriots who struck first in the final game of the weekend, as Anderson started off the scoring with an RBI base hit to left-center field. Sophomore Kate Bustin brought her home on a double down the left field line to make the score 2-0.
Mason added its final run of the day in the bottom of the sixth inning, as leadoff hitter Tori Dudley walked, advanced to second on a wild pitch, then scored on a throwing error.
CCSU tested the Patriot defense in the top of the seventh, scoring one run to pull within two at 3-1. However, Anderson struck out Erin Kelley with runners on the corners to seal the victory.
The Patriots will be back in action on a midweek road trip, traveling to face Norfolk State for a doubleheader Tuesday at 2:30 p.m., followed by a twinbill at 2 p.m. at Hampton the next day.
