APRIL 12, 2006
KING'S SOFTBALL SPLITS WITH SCRANTON
SCRANTON -- The King's College softball team won the first game 6-0, then had a potential game-winning home run taken away on an outstanding defensive play in the final inning as the University of Scranton won the nightcap 7-6 in Freedom Conference action Wednesday at Tripp Park, Scranton.
With the split, King's (23-5) fell to second place at 8-2, behind Wilkes University (7-1), in the Freedom Conference standings. Scranton, meanwhile, stands at 11-13 and 2-6 in league play.
In the opener, King's junior Nikki Kotula twirled a three-hitter for the Lady Monarchs while Mari Valonis went 1-for-3, including a two-run double in the fourth inning when the lady Monarchs scored four runs to built a 5-0 lead. Ashley Sullivan was 2-for-3, including a solo home run in the fifth inning. Justine Maggio was 2-for-4 with a double and scored two runs to aid the King's offensive attack.
Kotula, meanwhile was solid, allowing just one runner to reach base via error over the final four innings of play, as she improved to 7-2 on the year.
In the nightcap, King's took a 3-0 lead in the third inning when Leanne Harvey doubled and scored on a single by Kotula. Valonis then singled and Kate Shiffer smacked a two-run double.
After Scranton followed with a run in the fourth, King's answered with three more runs in the fifth. Valonis doubled and scored on an RBI from Shiffer. Pinch hitter Becky Loring then delivered a two-run home run to give the Lady Monarchs a 6-1 lead.
In the sixth inning, however, King's hurt itself with two errors as Scranton pushed across six runs, five unearned, to take a 7-6 lead.
In the seventh, Kotula drew a leadoff walk. With one out, Shiffer came to bat and delivered a long shot to left field that appeared to be a home run. But Scranton left fielder Sarah Capodice leaped high above the fence to make the catch for the second out. Kotula, meanwhile, advanced to third on the play and would attempt to return to second base. Kotula arrived safely back at first base, but Scranton would appeal the play and Kotula was ruled out for missing second base, putting an end to the game.
Shiffer was 3-for-4 with a double and three RBI while Valonis went 2-for-4 with a double and scored two runs. Leanne Harvey was 2-for-2 with a double. Justine Maggio also added a double for King's.
Kesley Shreaves (8-1) was tagged for her first loss of the year, allowing four runs, one which was earned, in four and one-third innings. Shreaves left the game in the fourth, then returned in the sixth when the Lady Royals scored all of their six runs.
King's will be idle until Tuesday when the Lady Monarchs travel to face Baptist Bible College in Clarks Summit.
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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