MAY 15, 2005
BOB ZIADIE
KING'S FALLS TO ITHACA 8-0 IN CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND, TEAMS TO MEET MONDAY IN DECIDING CONTESTITHACA, NY -- Host Ithaca College scored three runs in each of the first two innings en route to posting an 8-0 victory in six innings over King's College in the NCAA Regional Championships in Ithaca, NY.
With the win, Ithaca (28-12) improved to 3-1 in the double-elimination event while dropping King's (34-11) to 3-1 with its first defeat of the tournament. The teams will now play a deciding championship game Monday at 10:00 a.m.
In the first inning, Ithaca Leigh Bonkowski stroked a two-out single before Lady Monarch starter Nikki Kotula hit Mel Chinigo. Kaitlyn Dulac then singled to score Bonkowski before Chinigo would score on a wild pitch. Madeline Kraemer would then single to left field to drive in Dulac to give the Bombers a 3-0 lead.
King's (34-11) had a chance to get on the scoreboard beginning the second inning when Kristin Brady drilled a one-out double to left center field. Mari Valonis singled to right field but Brady was unable to score on the sharply hit ball. Kate Shiffer then drilled a line drive to third base and Brady was doubled up to end the King's scoring threat.
In the second inning, Amanda Illinger reached base on a bunt single before Kotula hit Sara Coddington with a pitch. Both runners would advance on an infield out before Jessica Stangarone singled up the middle to drive in two runs. Bonkowski would later bring home Strangarone on an infield out to push the advantage to 6-0.
Ithaca (28-12) would add insurance runs in each of the fifth and six innings as the game was halted due to the eight-run mercy rule.
Strangarone led the Bombers with a 2-for-4 showing with three RBI while Bonkowski and Coddington scored two runs each. Despite failing to register a strikeouts, Ithaca hurler Carly Myers was solid in allowing just four hits and did not walk a batter while improving to 20-4 on the year.
For King's, Valonis had two hits to pace the offense while Brady and Kotula added the lone two remaining Lady Monarch hits.
Kotula took the pitching loss to fall to 13-4 on the year. The King's sophomore allow eight runs on eight hits while walking two batters and hitting three more.
Little was expected from either squad in the six-team regional tournament as Ithaca was seeded fifth and King's seeded sixth in the event. The two teams battled through the field until King's defeated Ithaca 1-0 on Saturday to reach the finals. The Bombers then come through the loser's bracket to post a 8-0 win over third-seeded Western New England to earn Sunday's rematch with Kng's.
The teams will meet in the regional finale on Monday with the winner advancing to the Division III College World Series slated for May 20-24 at the Walnut Creek Softball Complex in Raleigh, N.C.
King's College
133 North River Street Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
1 (888) KINGS PA
Questions or comments to: Bob Ziadie, King's College Sports Information Director
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