DePaul University
34-14, 0
Villanova
29-24, 0
Eight-Run Sixth Inning Ends in Three-Peat for DePaul
5/11/2019 4:48:00 PM | SOFTBALL
ROSEMONT, Ill. - A six-run deficit quickly turned into a momentum filled eight-run sixth inning for the Blue Demons as they topped fourth-seeded Villanova 11-10 to win the BIG EAST title and for the third-consecutive year. DePaul (33-14) now awaits its NCAA Tournament seeding.
Villanova jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the top of the first and would grow that lead to 3-0 in the top of the third.
In the bottom half of the inning, DePaul came alive and responded to knot the score. Maranda Gutierrez was walked and then brought home on a two-run blast from Jessica Cothern. Morgan Greenwood singled and was replaced by pinch runner Madison Fisher who would eventually round home on a single from Gabby O'Riley.
The next few innings would see an offensive spark from Villanova and by top of the sixth, The Wildcats held a comfortable 9-3 lead before an eight-run sixth inning brought a storybook ending for the Blue Demons.
Erin Andris doubled to score Brianna Viles before being brought home on a double from Jessica Cothern. Morgan Greenwood then launched a three-run home run to score Maranda Gutierrez and Cothern and bring DePaul within one run. Kate Polucha was walked and eventually scored on a single from O'Riley to knot the score before a double from Viles brought in the run that would win the game for DePaul.
With Saturday's victory, DePaul punches its ticket to the NCAA tournament. The Blue Demons will learn which regional they will compete in on Sunday during the NCAA Softball Championship Selection Show that airs at 8 p.m. on ESPN2.
 2019 BIG EAST Tournament Most Outstanding Player
Natalie Halvorson, DePaul, So., P
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2019 BIG EAST All-Tournament Team
Jessica Cothern, DePaul, Jr., C/3B
Morgan Greenwood, DePaul, Sr., C/3B
Natalie Halvorson, DePaul, So., P
Kate Polucha, DePaul, So., OF
Angela Giampolo, Villanova, So., INF
Sara Kennedy, Villanova, Fr., P
Delaney Switzer, Villanova, Sr., INF
Jackie Martin, Providence, Sr., C/UT
Gretchen Bowie, St. John's, Jr., UT
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Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Halvorson, Natalie (21-7)
L: SMITH, K. (0-3)
S: Dalgarn, Krista (5)
Batting:
2B: JONES, C. 1
HR: RAUCH, P. 1 ; SWITZER, D. 1
RBI: RAUCH, P. 2 ; SWITZER, D. 3 ; HANNA, L. 1 ; DACOSTA, J. 3 ; DUCAR, B. 1
SH: OHMAN, K. 1
Base Running:
RUNS: GIAMPOLO, A. 2 ; RAUCH, P. 2 ; SWITZER, D. 2 ; HANNA, L. 1 ; JONES, C. 1 ; OHMAN, K. 1 ; HAYES, S. 1
SB: SWITZER, D. 1 ; OHMAN, K. 1 ; HAYES, S. 1
Batting:
2B: Cothern, Jessica 2 ; Viles, Brianna 1 ; Andris, Erin 1
HR: Cothern, Jessica 1 ; Greenwood, Morgan 1
RBI: Cothern, Jessica 3 ; Greenwood, Morgan 3 ; O'Riley, Gabby 2 ; Viles, Brianna 2 ; Andris, Erin 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Gutierrez, Maranda 2 ; Cothern, Jessica 2 ; Greenwood, Morgan 1 ; Fisher, Madison 1 ; Polucha, Kate 1 ; Scalzitti, Angela 1 ; O'Riley, Gabby 1 ; Viles, Brianna 1 ; Andris, Erin 1
HBP: Gutierrez, Maranda 1 ; Scalzitti, Angela 1
