DePaul University Athletics
DePaul Wins Conference USA Softball Tournament
5/14/2005 12:00:00 AM | SOFTBALL
TAMPA, Fla. - Second-seeded DePaul captured its fourth consecutive Conference USA Softball Tournament title with a 6-2 victory over top-seeded Louisville on Saturday at the USF Softball Complex. The Blue Demons used a four-run fifth inning to take their first lead of the game and sophomore Megan Huitink, who was named Tournament MVP, held Louisville scoreless in three innings of relief to earn her second win of the tournament.
Louisville grabbed an early 2-0 lead thanks to a pair of DePaul errors in the opening two innings. In the first, leadoff hitter Audrey Rendon reached base on the first error and moved to second on a sacrifice. Catcher Lacy Wood then drove Rendon home with a sharp single through the left side to give the Cardinals a 1-0 lead.
The Blue Demons' second error cost DePaul another run. Shortstop Michelle Vasquez was being held at third after a single by Candi Hicks, but came across to score when the throw by left fielder Dana Kenney sailed over the head of catcher Kara Amundson.
Kenney made up for her miscue in the field with a 2-for-4 effort at the plate and started the Blue Demons' two-run rally in the third with her first single of the game. DePaul had failed to score in the second after loading the bases, but took advantage of the same opportunity in the third.
Kenney and Ashley Parker opened the inning with back-to-back singles and Saskia Roberson was intentionally walked to load the bases. Kenny was erased on a fielder's choice, but Parker scored on a RBI single by Linda Secka. However, Sandy Vojic was thrown out at the plate on a strong throw by center fielder Sara Bausher. Pinch-runner Katie Hanson tied the game, scoring on a wild pitch before Cardinal starter Catherine Bishop was able to get the third out of the frame.
After both teams went scoreless in the fourth, the Blue Demons put the game out of reach in the fifth by plating four runs on three hits and a pair of Louisville errors. Kenney had her second single and scored. Parker reached on an error and scored. Vojik added a RBI single that scored Roberson, who drew her third walk of the game in the inning. Jessica Evans also added a RBI single all before Bishop recorded an out in the frame.
Huitink (18-10) was able to retire the Cardinals in order in the seventh inning to secure the title for the Blue Demons. The sophomore allowed just one hit in her three innings of work while striking out three. Bishop (21-8) took the loss after allowing six runs (four earned) on six hits over six innings of work.
2005 Conference USA Softball All-Tournament Team
Infielders: Saskia Roberson, DePaul; Courtney Moore, Louisville; Audrey Rendon, Louisville; Christie Chapman, USF
Outfielders: Dana Kenney, DePaul; Sara Bausher, Louisville; Brandi Clark, Houston
Catcher: Jenn Skaggs, Louisville
Utility Player: Kate Sheaks, DePaul
Pitchers: Bree Spence, USF
Tournament MVP: Megan Huitink, DePaul
Tournament Results
Thursday, May 12
Game 1: (6) Southern Miss 4, (3) East Carolina 1
Game 2: (4) USF 2, (5) Houston 1
Game 3: DePaul 1, (6) Southern Miss 0
Game 4: (1) Louisville 5, USF 4
Friday, May 13
Game 5: Houston 3, Southern Miss 1
Game 6: USF 1, East Carolina 0
Game 7: DePaul 7, Louisville 2
Game 8: Houston 4, USF 3
Saturday, May 14
Game 9: Louisville 11, Houston 0
Game 10: DePaul 6, Louisville 2
