APRIL 28, 2007
KING'S SOFTBALL SWEEPS FDU TO CLINCH TOP-SEED
MADISON, NJ -- The King's College softball team clinched the top seed for the upcoming Freedom Conference Tournament with a critical doubleheader sweep of fellow playoff qualifier FDU-Florham Saturday in Madison, NJ.
With the victory, King's improved to 28-6 overall and 13-1 in the Freedom Conference. FDU, meanwhile, slipped to 20-15 and 9-5.
King's, which needed at least a split to earn the top seed, sealed the deal with a 10-1 five-inning victory in the opener. The Lady Monarchs would then post a 2-1 triumph in the nightcap to secure the sweep.
In the opener, sophomore Kelsey Shreaves tossed a three-hitter, striking out three batters without issuing a walk. She also hit a decisive two-run home run in the fifth inning which forced the game to utilize the eight-run mercy rule.
Sue Roccia went 3-for-3 while Lindsey Hoerner finished 2-for-3 with two RBI. Abbey Knoblauch was also 2-for-3 while Julie Bidwell and Justine Maggio were both 1-for-2 with two RBI each.
In the second game, Hoerner picked up the pitching decision, scattering seven hits over seven innings while striking out four batters. King's took a 1-0 lead in the second inning when Mari Valonis singled and moved to third on a base hit by Becky Loring. Valonis would later score on a passed ball.
After FDU tied the game with a solo home run. the Lady Monarchs would push across the winning run in the seventh inning. Meghan Galvin singled and score on an RBI double off the bat of Knoblauch.
Valonis, Loring, and Annie Drimones finished with two hits each to pace the Lady Monarch attack.
Wilkes (20-10, 9-3), which must complete a rained out conference doubleheader with Drew, will hold down the second seed FDU-Florham is locked into the third seed. Delaware Valley (16-12, 8-6) has clinched the the fourth seed.
The Freedom Conference playoffs will be held Friday and Saturday at Wilkes University. King's will be looking for its seventh Freedom Conference title in eight years as well as an eighth straight NCAA Division III National Tournament berth.
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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