DePaul University Athletics
Blue Demon Offense Explodes Against Northwestern
5/27/2005 12:00:00 AM | SOFTBALL
Box Score
The Blue Demons exploded in game one of the Super Regional, combining for nine hits. The offense was led by the sophomore duo of centerfielder Linda Secka and catcher Kara Amundson, who each had two hits.
DePaul (44-19) jumped out to any early 1-0 lead in the first inning. Senior right fielder Ashley Parker ignited the DePaul bats with a single to left field and freshman second baseman Sandy Vojik advanced Parker on a sacrifice bunt down the third base line, and reached safely on a Wildcat error. Senior Saskia Roberson was hit by a pitch to load the bases for Secka. Secka recorded her 47th RBI of the season with single to left field which allowed Parker to score from third.
Senior third baseman Jenny Doezie tallied her second home run of the season off a Northwestern pitcher in third inning, extending the Blue Demons lead to 3-0. Doezie’s fourth home run of the season sailed 218 feet over left field fence. The home run scored Roberson, who singled two batters earlier.
NU (42-17) threatened in the third inning by string together three singles. Northwestern’s right fielder Erin Mobley came to plate with runners on first and second and sent a shot to Secka in center field. Secka fielded the ball quickly and gunned down Katie Logan trying to score from second.
The Blue Demons added an insurance run in the top of the fifth. Roberson walked to begin the inning and scored on designated player sacrifice fly to left field.
DePaul starter Megan Huitink (21-10) pitched her 11th shutout of the season and third of the NCAA Tournament. She gave up six hits while fanning five NU batters
Northwestern starter Eileen Canney recorded the loss, throwing the first three innings. Coutrnay Foster threw the final four innings of the game.
The Blue Demons and Wildcats will close out their best of three game series Saturday evening at Flames field. Action begins at
Demon Notes…
DePaul
- Linda Secka extended her hitting streak to six games with a single to left field in the first inning. Secka went 2-4, both singles.
- Sandy Vojik extended her hitting streak to nine games, connecting on a double to left center in the seventh inning. Jessica Evans is the only other Blue Demon to have a nine game hitting streak this season.
- Huitink threw her third shutout of the NCAA Tournament; it was DePaul’s 17th all-time shutout during NCAA Tournament play.
- DePaul is now 24-18 in 11 NCAA tournament appearances
Quotes
Coach Lenti:
“I think we played really well and it starts with Megan and our pitching. We had timely hitting and great defense. Linda’s throw was spectacular and Jen had great at shot. Overall we just had solid defense and the motto of our day today was that we did a little bit of bending but never broke. We know that we have a lot of work cut out for us tomorrow and Northwestern is going to be hungry and come out ready to play.”
On being in similar position as last Sunday:
“I think it is always an advantage when you are in our situation because you’re looser not feeling any heat or pressure. These kids have continued to overachieve all season long and everyday I am amazed at how successful we’ve been. Here we are playing to go to the World Series and we were picked to finish fourth in conference. We have two pitchers that won five as freshman and now 44 this year. They are getting everything that they deserve and I’m glad we’re in this position more than any other one.”
Linda Secka:
Describe the throw:
“I was coming out a playing tough D and that’s just what Euge talked about before the game is how important our defense would be. I was just going out and playing hard and smart on defense.”
Megan Huitink:
On what was working good?
“I think everything was working today and Euge called a great game today. My rise ball and fastball were working great and the changeup kept them off balance. It’s a compliment to them that they made me work real hard and was forced to keep them off balance.”
On Linda’s throw:
“It was a great throw and I wasn’t even worried. I was supposed to be backing her up but I knew it was good. Even pitching a good game, I knew the defense was behind me and they really stepped up today.”
Being from Elk Grove:
“It is just a great representation of college softball in the
Jenny Doezie:
On the homerun:
“I knew it was something that I could hit solid but it was only my fourth this season (2nd against Northwestern) so didn’t think it was going to necessarily go over. I am willing to do whatever is needed for the team whether it’s hitting a sacrifice or whatever.”
