Box Score

BLOOMSBURG—Pitcher Shavaun Fisher (Coplay, Allentown Central Catholic) threw a two-hitter and hit a solo homer and Sam Pientack (Archbald, Valley View) went 3-3 with three runs batted in to lead the Bloomsburg University softball team to a 9-0 win over California, Pa. in game one of the best of three NCAA Division II Atlantic Super Regional series at Bloomsburg. The game was called after five innings due to the mercy rule.

Bloomsburg, now 48-6, needs just one win tomorrow to advance to the NCAA Division II championship round in Missouri next week. California, 37-13, will need to beat the Huskies twice tomorrow to advance. The first game is scheduled for 11 a.m. with a game at 1:30 p.m. if necessary.

The Huskies wasted little time grabbing the lead in the game. After Fisher put down the Vulcans in order in the top of the first inning, Nikki Shiko (Shamokin, Southern Columbia) singled and Danielle Lazorka (Williamsport, Jersey Shore)was hit by a pitch to put runners at first and second. After Shiko was out at third on a fielder's choice by Lacy Mauro (Jersey Shore, Jersey Shore), Pientack singled scoring Lazorka with both runners moving up a base on the throw home. Emily Young (Nescopeck, Central Columbia) then put down a bunt with Mauro sliding under the tag to make it 2-0. After Mandy Koch (Dauphin, Central Dauphin) was hit by a pitch to load the bases, Fisher grounded out to the second baseman scoring Pientack for a 3-0 lead.

Bloomsburg made it 4-0 in the second when Lazorka walked and Mauro singled putting runners at first and second. Pientack then singled hard off the glove of the third baseman Danielle Easton scoring Lazorka.

In the top of the third inning, Cal got its first hit of the game when number nine hitter Kayleigh Braim singled to center, but Fisher got a fly out to end the inning. In the bottom of the third the Huskies put the game out of reach with five runs. With one out, Fisher, who went into the game with just five at-bats on the season, hit a long, towering drive that easily cleared the fence in right center for a 5-0 lead. Casey Massimini (Downingtown, Downingtown West) then doubled to right and later scored on a single by Lori Neyhard (Bloomsburg/Central Columbia), who went to second on an error. Lazorka then followed with a singled to score Neyhard for an 7-0 lead. Mauro then doubled home Lazorka for an 8-0 lead with Pientack driving home the final run with a single.

Cal did threaten in the fifth inning getting two runners on with one out, but Fisher got one out on a batter's interference call and a ground out to end the game.

Overall, Fisher, now 33-5, allowed just two hits to go with no walks and two strikeouts while going 1-2 at the plate with two RBI. In addition to Pientack's 3-3, Massimini was 2-3 with a run scored.

Bloomsburg will be aiming for its 11th trip to the NCAA championship round and first since 2005 for retiring coach Jan Hutchinson, the all-time leader in career coaching victories in Division II history.