DePaul University Athletics
DePaul Wins Conference Opener
3/21/2003 12:00:00 AM | SOFTBALL
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – No. 10 DePaul pulled out an 8-1 win in its first Conference USA game of the season against UAB on Friday. The game was close until a three-run homer from Sarah Douglas shot DePaul ahead of the Blazers.
The Blue Demons (14-3, 1-0 C-USA) started off strong in the first inning when Liz Bouck walked and was advanced on a single by Sarah Martz. Bouck scored when Katy Kukman singled to right field.
The Blue Demons scored again in the third inning when Martz capitalized on an overthrow by the Blazers’ catcher and crossed home plate.
UAB answered back in the fourth inning when pitcher Lindsay Chouinard hit Amanda Ellis at the plate with the bases loaded, allowing a runner to score.
With the pressure mounting and the score tight at 2-1 in favor of DePaul, the Blue Demons stepped up to the challenge in the fifth inning.
Dana Kenney reached on an error and was advanced to second on a single by Bouck. Sarah Douglas then pushed DePaul ahead when she nailed a three-run homer, giving the Blue Demons a four-run lead.
The Blue Demons scored again when Sara Bandauski hit an RBI double, sending in Kukman and giving DePaul a 6-1 lead.
In the sixth inning, the Blue Demons squashed any chance for the Blazers to rally when they scored two more runs. DePaul’s defense continued to hold UAB for the remainder of the game and managed to capture three double plays, freezing their opponents’ offense.
Martz led the team in hits as she went 3-for-3, including a double, and collected one RBI. Bouck added two hits for her four times at bat, while Douglas totaled four RBIs. The Blue Demons, as a team, out-hit the Blazers 9-7. Costly errors plagued both teams as DePaul racked up three and UAB tallied five.
Chouinard (10-2) picked up her tenth win of the season as she struck seven batters and walked just one.
The Blue Demons face the Blazers again on Saturday in a double-header beginning at noon.
To view the box score, click here.
