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CALIFORNIA, PA—Megan Kelly's one-out run scoring single plated pinch-runner Ali Vavala with the game's only run to push West Chester to a 1-0 win over Bloomsburg University in the NCAA Atlantic 1 regional game being played at California (Pa.) University.
Kelly's hit ruined a solid effort by the Huskies freshman standout
Taylor Parker (Dewart/Warrior Run) who had scattered three hits through the first six innings of play.
The bottom of the seventh began when the Golden Rams Laura Altenburger grounded out to second base. Jillian Murray then doubled to left field. Erin Quense then popped a single to left field with the ball landing between several fielders with Murray holding at second on the play. Ali Vavala then pinch ran for Murray with Shannon Gray running for Quense. Kim Begley followed with a single to load the bases. Kelly then lined a clean single to left scoring Vavala with the game winning run.
For the first six innings the game was a pitchers duel between Parker, the PSAC East Freshman of the Year, and Kim Murl from West Chester.
In the first inning the Huskies got a one-out single from
Kayla McHale (Dillsburg/Northern), who moved to second on a bunt by
Mandi Baer (Douglassville/Daniel Boone). McHale though was stranded when Murl got a fly out to end the inning.
In the second inning the Huskies managed three hits off Murl, but could not score. After the first two Huskies were retired
Rachel Fredell (Dingmans Ferry/Delaware Valley) and
Chrissy Belko (Old Forge/Old Forge) singled putting runners at first and second.
Mandi Black (Huntington Mills/Northwest Area) then singled to right field with Belko being waved around. However, the throw from Begley in right field nailed Belko at the plate keeping the game scoreless.
West Chester threatened in the fourth inning getting two runners on with one out. But, Altenburger lined a shot up the middle that was snared by Parker who then completed the double play by throwing to first.
For the Huskies Parker allowed one run on seven hits with two walks and two strikeouts, while McHale was 2-3 to lead the offense.
Bloomsburg, 27-18, will now face Winston-Salem, 28-12, in an elimination game on Saturday at 1 p.m. Winston-Salem lost 9-0 to Cal (Pa.) in the other opening round game. The Huskies will need to win four straight games to advance to the next round.
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