Lehigh University
No. 2 Army
Lehigh holds off Army 4-3; rain suspends deciding game
5/2/2005 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Coming into the day’s action Lehigh needed to beat Army twice, while the Black Knights needed just one win to secure the tournament crown. The Mountain Hawks got off to a fast start in Monday’s first game. In the bottom of the third inning freshman Taryn Hanley drilled a double to left centerfield that scored Kate Arico and Kate Marvel and put Lehigh up 2-0.
The Mountain Hawks picked up two crucial insurance runs in the sixth when Mendy Martin laced a single that plated Jess Young and Mary Wieder. The two runs proved to be the difference in the game as Army launched a valiant comeback in the top of the seventh.
Emily Ling was cruising along, as the senior had allowed just one hit through six innings, while striking out eight. In the top of the seventh the Black Knights put together a walk and three singles to get on the scoreboard and then got within one run as two runs came home on a throwing error by Martin. With two outs and the tying and go-ahead runs on second and third Ling got Nikki Posey to ground out to second base to end the game and set up the winner take all showdown in game seven.
The Mountain Hawks had their chances early in game seven, but could not capitalize as they left two runners on base in each of the first two innings and a runner on third base in the fourth. As the rain intensified the Black Knights finally pushed a run across in the bottom of the fourth. With two outs Army catcher Jamie Gjurgevich laced a double through the rain that scored Veronica Lauzon. Moments later the umpires pulled both teams off the field because of the downpour and after a 90 minute delay the game was suspended.
As of Monday evening no decision has been reached as to when the game would be resumed. When action does continue, Army will be batting with two outs in the bottom of the fourth inning and a 1-0 lead. The conclusion of the game will be broadcast live on Lehigh’s website at lehighsports.com with streaming provided by Yahoo! Sports.
