TAMPA, Fla. – Colgate split its two games on the second day of the USF Tournament to keep its record at .500.
The Raiders had another strong day down in Florida, dropping a tough contest to Central Connecticut State, 9-5, before taking a shutout win over Seton Hall, 3-0, in the nightcap.
Colgate has now shut out a opponent for the second time in as many days. Sophomore
Brigit Ieuter was again in the circle for the Raiders and worked her way around numerous baserunners, keeping the zero under Seton Hall's runs total.
The Raiders broke the scoreless deadlock in the top of the second inning when
Tara Grennan touched home plate. Then in the top of the fifth Colgate added to its runs total when
Marisa Dowling and Grennan both posted singles pushing the lead to three runs.
The Pirates made it interesting in the bottom of the sixth when they loaded the bases. Rookie
Kira Griswold came in for relief though and recorded a big strikeout to end the inning and ultimately secure the Raiders the victory.
In the opening game, Colgate jumped out to the early 3-0 edge in the top of the first. Unfortunately, CCSU answered in the bottom half of the inning to take over the lead at 4-3.
The game swayed back in favor of the Raiders when they posted back-to-back one run innings heading into the bottom of the fourth. However, the Blue Devils again rallied back in that inning to take the 8-5 advantage. CCSU added one final run in the fifth and the Raiders were unable to pull even.
Bottom Line• Central Connecticut State 9, Colgate 5
• Colgate 3, Seton Hall 0
Won-Lost Records• Colgate improves to 4-4 on the year
• Central Connecticut States shifts to 8-2
• Seton Hall drops to 10-15
Key Raider Info• Grennan was the Raiders top performer going 3-for-7 on the day with three runs and one RBI.
Gillian Murray also posted three hits during her seven at bats, while
Katie Bushee finished the day 2-for-7 with two runs and a walk.
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Mariel Schlaefer and
Alessandra Moore registered two hits to go along with four other Raider players who earned one hit each.
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Megan Carnase and Murray teamed up during the opening game with Carnase pitching four innings and Murray two. Carnase allowed eight hits and eight runs, with four of those being earned, while Murray gave up one run. Carnase added two strikeouts to Murray's one.
• In game two, Ieuter and Griswold joined forces for the victory, shifting Ieuter to 3-1 on the year and handing Griswold her first career save. Ieuter pitched 5.2 innings allowing just four hits, while fanning two batters. Griwsold came in for relief giving up one hit in her 1.1 innings pitched. She also posted one huge strikeout in the bottom of the sixth with the bases loaded.
Facts & Figures• The Raiders continued to find their bats during day two of the USF Tournament recording eight total runs in the two games.
• Colgate also combine for 16 hits and six RBI during those contests.
• With the 3-0 victory over Seton Hall, Ieuter has now pitched all three of Colgate's shutouts. What's even more impressive is that they've all come in the last three games she's started.
• Dowling is leading the team with a .450 batting average, while Bushee and Grennan are hitting .379 and .370, respectively.
Straight From The Source•
Colgate head coach Melissa Finley: (on her thoughts from game one against Central Connecticut) "It was a tough loss in a back and forth game and we weren't able to come up with a big defensive stop when we needed one. We continued to do a great job with our bats and it was a great learning experiences for us as a team."
(on her thoughts from game two against Seton Hall) "It was great to see us put together a solid defensive outing against a strong hitting Seton Hall team. Brigit (Ieuter) and Kira (Griswold) both did a great job on the mound and brought a great game presence."
"I am really proud of the way we played and the way we were able to come back after the first game and put it all together."
Up Next• Colgate closes out the USF Tournament with a 9 a.m. contest against Quinnipiac. The Raiders have also added a single game with Purdue at 1:30 p.m., which will be played at the same complex.
• Live stats available at the start of both games.
