DePaul University Athletics
Softball Wins Conference USA Tournament
5/11/2002 12:00:00 AM | SOFTBALL
TAMPA, Fla. - Saskia Roberson brought home the game-winning run with a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth inning giving the 16th-ranked DePaul softball team a 2-1 victory over UAB winning its first Conference USA tournament championship. The Blue Demons went 3-0 in the tournament and won their final 21 games against C-USA opponents.
The Blue Demons opened the scoring in the first inning. Christina Douglas started the rally with a two-out walk and Shavaughne Desecki followed with a base hit. With runners on first and third, Desecki stayed in a rundown long enough while attempting to steal second that Douglas was able to steal home scoring the first run of the game.
UAB tied the game in the fourth inning and it remained tied until the ninth. Christina Douglas led the inning off with a double. Jenny Doezie pinch ran for Douglas and advanced to third on Desecki's fly out to center field. Roberson followed with her sacrifice fly to right field giving the Blue Demons the 2-1 victory.
Lindsay Chouinard improves to 28-4 after firing her 29th complete game. She didn't allow an earned run and struck out five batters earning her third victory of the tournament.
Christina Douglas went 2-for-3 with a run scored and Sarah Douglas was 2-for-3.
With the victory, DePaul head coach Eugene Lenti moved past Ray Meyer as the winningest coach in DePaul athletics history. Lenti has a 725-366-4 record in his 22 seasons at DePaul.
Gina Ramacci, Liz Bouck, Sarah Martz, Sarah Douglas and Chouinard were selected to the all-tournament team and Chouinard was named tournament MVP.
Up next, the 46-9 Blue Demons enter the NCAA tournament. ESPN News will broadcast the selection show and the Demons will find out where they will play at 7:00 p.m. Sunday evening.
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