Game 1 Box | Game 2 Box
NEW YORK – University of Dayton Softball Head Coach
Cara LaPlaca earned her 200th career win on Saturday as the Flyers beat the first-place Fordham Rams 3-1 in the nightcap of a doubleheader. The Flyers (18-23, 10-7 A-10) lost the first game 4-1, but bounced back for the win in game two.
“Tonight was a really solid team effort. Having both of our pitchers combine for a great win really helped make number 200 sweet for me,” LaPlaca said.
Saturday’s win also propels UD into sole possession of sixth place with one Atlantic 10 series left. To qualify for the A-10 Tournament, a team must finish in the top six in the conference.
Junior
Lauren Nacke had a solo home run in the first game, and is now three RBI away from tying Missy Mellott’s record of 44 set in 2000. Nacke was robbed of a second home run in her final at-bat of the series after Fordham’s right fielder Chelsea Palumbo snagged the ball with an over-the-fence grab to end the inning.
Speaking of web gems, freshman
Rachel Archer made a pair of spectacular catches. Her first play was a diving catch in shallow center field. She followed that with an over-the-shoulder catch at the fence.
Junior
Brandy Brown had the game-winning RBI against Fordham in the second game. Brown had a two-RBI base hit to drive the runs home.
“Brandy’s hit was clutch,” LaPlaca said. “She came through for us with a two-out single. I was really pleased with her performance.”
Junior
Sarah Wedel earned the win in the second game. Wedel is 6-5 this year and has won her last three decisions. She pitched 4.2 innings and had two strikeouts while allowing one earned run. Freshman left-handed pitcher
Alysha Isaacson earned her second save of the season, stepping in to relieve for 2.1 innings. She had two strikeouts and did not allow any runs.
Isaacson pitched five innings in the first game. She had five strikeouts and allowed three earned runs. She carries a 10-10 record in 2011.
“Sarah and Alysha did a great job of keeping Fordham off balance today,” LaPlaca said.
Nacke had Dayton’s lone run in the first game. Nacke ripped a 2-0 pitch over the left field wall to give the Flyers the lead after one inning.
Fordham was able to reclaim the lead and retain it for the 4-1 victory in the first game.
Dayton hit the ground running in the second game. With one out in the top of the second inning, junior
Courtney Kutsulis stole second to move into scoring position. Sophomore
Carlyn Harlow capitalized on Kutsulis’ steal, knocking her home on a base hit to center field. Harlow’s RBI single put UD ahead 1-0.
“Courtney’s stolen base in the second inning was critical,” LaPlaca said. “That got everything going for us in the second game.
With two outs in the top of the third, Brown stepped up with a base hit to right field, which scored Nacke and sophomore
Kathleen Maloof to give the Flyers a 3-0 lead.
Isaacson relieved Wedel after a great start. With two outs and a 3-1 lead, Isaacson stepped in with the go-ahead run at the plate for Fordham. Isaacson battled with Samantha Pellechio, forcing a fly ball to left field to strand both runners and end the inning.
Isaacson set the next six batters down in order to earn her second save of the season.
The Flyers will host Miami (Oh.) and Akron at UD Softball Stadium on Monday and Tuesday, before hosting Charlotte in Saturday in the final A-10 series of the regular season on Saturday. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Monday against the RedHawks. Live stats are available at DaytonFlyers.com.
Notes: Saturday’s games were played after spending nearly 5.5 hours in a rain delay. The first pitch was originally scheduled for Noon, the actual start time was 5:24 p.m. ET.
Head Coach
Cara LaPlaca has a career record of 200-250-1. Her record at UD is 69-124-1. In just her fourth season, her win total is second all-time in UD history.
