Softball Advances to Championship Game

TAMPA, Fla –  The DePaul softball team used a five run fifth inning to propel themselves past Louisville, 7-2 Friday afternoon at the Conference USA Tournament at the USF Softball Complex.   The Blue Demons (39-18) advance to Championship game Saturday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. (CST)

DePaul senior Saskia Roberson went 2-for-3 with a solo home run and a two-run single to finish with a tournament-high three RBI’s in the contest.

The Cardinals (41-17) posted the games first run in the bottom of the second inning.  Jenn Skaggs doubled to right center, scoring Sara Bausher who singled to begin the inning.  Skaggs tried to turn her double into a triple but the Blue Demon defense got her at third.  Sophomore center fielder Linda Secka fielded Skaggs ball at the fence and relayed the ball to sophomore short stop Jessica Evans, who made a strong throw to third baseman Jenny Doezie who tagged Skaggs for the out.

Roberson sent her 49th career home run over the left center fence to tie the ballgame at one apiece in the top of the fourth. 

Louisville loaded the bases in the bottom of the fourth with no outs, but the Blue Demon defense buckled down to get the final three batters out; Skaggs grounded into a fielders choice, Leslie Garland struck out and pinch hitter, Lisa Estes grounded out to third.

Sophomore Kate Sheaks sent her pitch by Louisville starter, Aja Sherman, soaring over the center field fence to put the Blue Demons up 2-1 to begin the fifth inning. 

The Blue Demons added four more runs after Sheaks home run. Doezie scored DePaul’s second run on freshman second baseman Sandy Vojik’s fielder’s choice.  With the bases loaded, Roberson singled left field to score senior left fielder Dana Kenney and right fielder Ashley Parker.  Parker collided with Louisville catcher Skaggs, knocking the ball out of her glove which allowed Vojik to score.

DePaul added an insurance run in the sixth inning on Kenney’s single through the left side.  Kenney’s hit scored Doezie, who walked earlier in the inning.

Louisville added one run in the seventh.  DePaul sophomore reliever Megan Huitink struck out two of the three final batters with the final batter fouling a ball off to Sheaks in right field.

Sophomore Tracie Adix (22-7) recorded the win for the Blue Demons, throwing the first four innings.  Huitink entered the game in bottom of the fifth. The duo combined for seven strikeouts.

Sherman (20-10) recorded the loss for the Cardinals. 

DePaul advances to the championship game Sunday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. (CST).  The game will be televised live on CSTV (Direct TV 660), Comcast Sports Chicago and Fox Sports Chicago.

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