WHO: Softball at Stetson @ Stetson Classic
WHERE: DeLand, Fla.
FINAL SCORE: Stetson 1, Mason 0
KEY PLAYERS: Heather Ferguson – 1-2, 1 run; Marina Vitalich – 6 IP, 7 strike-outs
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1st
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2nd
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3rd
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4th
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5th
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6th
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7th
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R
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H
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E
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George Mason (8-9)
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0
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0
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0
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0
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0
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0
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0
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0
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1
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0
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Stetson (19-10)
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0
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0
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0
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0
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1
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0
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X
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1
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4
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0
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DeLand, Fla. – Another solid performance by freshman pitcher Marina Vitalich was not enough for George Mason University's softball team to overcome Stetson Classic host Stetson on Sunday and the Patriots lost their final game of the tournament 1-0.
The two teams combined for one hit in the first four innings, through which Ashly Smith reached first base for Stetson, but the freshman could not get in scoring position for the Hatters because she left base early on the next play.
Junior infielder Heather Ferguson recorded Mason's first and only hit in the contest in the top of the fifth inning, but could not advance further because immediately after redshirt freshman Jess Middleton lined out to third base for the Patriots' third strike. Molly Shasteen was the first player to advance to second base when she stole second base shortly after hitting a single early in the bottom of the fifth inning. Kelsey Waters' sacrificed bunt and Jessica Griffin's RBI single scored senior Shasteen for what turned out to be the winning run.
Phenomenal pitching from Stetson's freshman at the mound, Tori Perkins, prevented Mason from getting runners on base in the sixth and seventh innings to close the game in favor of the Hatters.
The Patriots talented pitchers – Vitalich and senior Sarah Kleinfelter – were recognized for their performances and each earned a spot on the all-tournament team.
STAT BREAKDOWN
-The Patriots hit .045 in Sunday's contest, while Stetson batted .211.
-Although the team struggled at bat, Mason was impeccable in defense once again and recorded second-straight game without an error after yesterday's win over Wagner.
-Mason left 1 runner on base compared to 3 runners left on base for Stetson.
POST-GAME QUOTES
"As a team, we have gained a tremendous amount of road experience from the tournament and the trip. That will be of great benefit as we get closer to conference play."
"I thought our pitching was the highlight of the tournament for us as Marina and Sarah were both dominant in the circle. When you can do that, you are never out of a ball game and will always have a chance to win. They did that for us all weekend." - Mason's head coach Joe Verbanic
"It was a good competition with signs of growth from our team. I thought we progressed well through the week, especially with our defense. I am sure that our at bats will continue to improve and I am excited about what is to come." - Mason's senior Casey Price
NEXT ON THE DIAMOND
Mason will now return home to host the annual Cherry Blossom Classic over the course of next weekend.
