UMBC

Baltimore, MD – Albany (11-3) and Canisius (8-14) both went 3-1 on the weekend to become co-champions for the first annual UMBC Softball Spring Classic. Sacred Heart (5-9) defeated host UMBC (14-12) by a score of 6-5 to earn the third place trophy, while Drexel (5-9) beat out Maryland-Eastern Shore (2-8) for the fifth spot.

After four lead changes and two ties through six innings, Sacred Heart’s Erin Caveney hit a two-out, two-strike shot over the left field fence to give the Pioneers a 6-5 lead. UMBC would not be able to plate a sixth run in the bottom of the seventh, and Sacred Heart would claim third place in the tournament. For the game, Retriever freshman Amy Sadowl (6-3) was tabbed with the loss as she gave up three hits and one run in two innings of work. UMBC starter Kristin Dulay gave up the first five Pioneer runs; however, all were unearned.

Pioneer senior Michele Walker was awarded the win and became the Tournament’s Outstanding Pitcher as she posted both victories over UMBC this past weekend. Retriever sophomore Kristie Pickeral was honored as the tournament’s Outstanding Hitter as she went 10-for-18 with three runs scored and four RBI’s while hitting one home run.

Other individual award winners were Albany’s shortstop, Maegan Larsen, who was chosen as the Tournament MVP, and Canisius left-fielder Jamie Gorczynski, who was the tournament’s Best Defensive Player.