AMHERST, Mass. - With a trip to the Atlantic 10 Championship finals, the University of Dayton softball team put together a sixth-inning rally to defeat George Mason, 5-4, Friday evening at Sortino Field at UMass Softball Complex. The top-seeded Flyers advance to the program's first appearance in the title series and will have to win two against No. 3 Fordham Saturday to claim the tournament crown.
UD was led by freshman Kayla Haberstich with her perfect 3-for-3 evening at the plate with two runs scored and graduate student Jordan Jennings who knocked out the game-winning, three-run home run in the bottom of the sixth inning.
George Mason (23-29) got the scoring going in the first inning with a triple and then a two-out single to plate the runner for a quick 1-0 lead. In the second, the Patriots were able to bring across three more to open their advantage to four, 4-0. The four-run deficit for the Flyers was reminiscent of Thursday's 8-5 loss to the Patriots.
Dayton (39-13) got two runs back in the bottom of the fourth as senior Tiffany Ricks was able to make it around to second on a George Mason fielding error. Haberstitch singled to center field and both runners scampered to the next base on a Patriot wild pitch. With two outs, sophomore Katie Ryan was called in to pinch hit and her single up the middle scored both Ricks and Haberstitch as the Flyers pulled to within two, 4-2.
The Patriots threatened in the top of the sixth, loading up the bases with two out. The Flyers were able to get out of the inning with no damage and UD put together a game-changing rally in the bottom of the frame. Ricks reached on a Mason error and raced around to third on Haberstich's single. Jennings was at the plate next and sent a ridiculously hard-hit home run over the left field fence, scoring three and giving Dayton the 5-4 lead.
George Mason continued to battle and put runners on first and third with only one out. Mary O'Connor put the ball into play for the Patriots, reaching on the fielder's choice, as junior Kennedy Haynes connected with junior Kathryn Hess at home to tag the runner out at the plate. Freshman left-handed pitcher Manda Cash sent the next Mason batter down swinging to get out of the inning and end the game with Dayton on top, 5-4.
Cash (13-2) was credited with the win in the circle for Dayton, her second of the day. She worked six innings giving up zero runs on eight hits and striking out four to two walks. Senior Kayla English started the game for Dayton, tossing one inning and exiting in the second. She allowed four runs on five hits and struck out two and walked two.
Sarah Kleinfelter (5-6) took the loss for George Mason after throwing a complete game. She gave up two earned runs on eight hits and struck out two batters to zero walks.
Dayton advances to play Fordham on Saturday. First pitch is set for 1:00 p.m.
