May 2, 2007
Box Score
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - Drexel pitcher Katrina Gaudier threw five scoreless innings of effective softball against Lafayette on Tuesday, as the Dragons upended the Leopards 3-0 in non-league action at Drexel Field.
The Leopards managed four hits from as many different players, but left six runners on base throughout the afternoon affair.
Sophomore lefty slapper Robyn Matchett laid down a bunt single to get Lafayette going in the first, while reigning Patriot League Rookie of the Week Christina Giambrone followed with her Lafayette record 32nd walk of the season. With runners on first and second, it was the Leopards' best scoring opportunity of the afternoon. However, Gaudier struck out junior first baseman Kristen Ruckno and got starting pitcher Kasey Karr to ground out to end the Leopards' threat.
Karr allowed a single in the bottom half, but kept the runner at first with a pop out and ground out to end a scoreless first frame for both clubs.
Gaudier retired Lafayette (20-23) in order in the second, while an RBI single from Kristen Beaver put Drexel on the board, 1-0. It was déjà vu for Lafayette in the third, as Gaudier knocked down all three batters, while the Dragons (17-18) plated two runs in the third. Karr gave up a pair of singles that both turned into runs.
At the start of the fourth, head coach Jeanine Gunther inserted senior right hander Megan Averbuch into the game and the teams played through the next four innings nearly flawless, as both teams mustered just two hits. Averbuch allowed a pair two hits and struck out four Drexel batters.
Matchett, senior second baseman Jill Masterton, junior third baseman Sarah Price and senior DP Kathryn Longshore all registered singles against the Dragons. Karr suffered the loss and fell to 11-10 on the season, while Gaudier picked up the win (10-9) for the Dragons.
Lafayette will have the next week off for final exams before the Leopards make their second straight appearance in the Patriot League Tournament. A make-up Patriot League series between Colgate and Bucknell is being played this weekend, which will determine seeding for the May 10-12 tournament. Lehigh has already clinched the top seed and right to host the event in Bethlehem, Pa.
