Lehigh walks off with 5-4 win over Bucknell to advance to championship Saturday

Friday, May 8

10:30 AM

Lehigh University

38-7

Bucknell

34-19

Bucknell

Lehigh

Lehigh walks off with 5-4 win over Bucknell to advance to championship Saturday

5/8/2015 3:35:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Tied at four in the bottom of the seventh inning, junior Jessica Calvini came through with a clutch two-out single up the middle to score classmate Alexis Watanabe and give the Lehigh softball team a thrilling 5-4 win over Bucknell on Friday. The Bison scored four runs in the sixth inning to tie the score, but senior pitcher Emily Bausher got out of the jam without further damage, leading to the seventh-inning dramatics.

(5/8/2015) Softball vs. Bucknell, PL Tournament

"We're very excited," said Lehigh head coach Fran Troyan. "Bucknell played one heck of a game. They're a very formidable opponent. There's a reason why they came into the game winning 15 out of 16. They're very, very good. We had them 4-0 then made a couple mistakes in the inning that we normally don't make. But one of the things that we've been talking about all year is keeping our composure when things don't go our way."

Watanabe reached base on an error to open the seventh inning. She went on to steal second base and Calvini plated her with a two-strike single up the middle.

"We have the confidence that anyone on our team can get the hit," said Calvini. "The team did a great job of really putting pressure on Bucknell and putting runs up. Alexis leading off that (seventh) inning was huge. It really cane be anyone; everyone is able to pick everyone up."

With the win, the Mountain Hawks improve to 38-7 and will play in Saturday's championship round against Bucknell. Lehigh will look to win the first game, which begins at noon but there will be a second game if the Mountain Hawks fall.

Watanabe finished the day 2-for-4 with two runs and two RBI. Sophomore Vicky Latanzio also had two hits while junior Morgan Decker drove in a run as well. Bausher pitched the complete game, allowing four unearned runs on seven hits while striking out four.

Scoreless heading to the third inning, the Mountain Hawks started a rally in the third. Senior Emma Capetz walked then freshman Nicole Yozzo singled and each scored on a one-out double from Watanabe to make it 2-0.

Lehigh doubled its lead in the bottom of the fifth behind a Decker RBI single and Calvini sacrifice fly to right field, which scored Watanabe to make it 4-0.

Bausher got a quick out in the top of the sixth, but Bucknell responded with four runs on five hits to pull even. A two-strike double from Erin Cox scored two to pull the Bison even at 4-4.

Capetz hit a one-out triple in the sixth inning, but Bucknell pitcher Amanda Fazio got a big strikeout then a lineout to end Lehigh's threat.

Bausher responded with a strong 1-2-3 seventh inning, setting up Calvini for her heroics.

"We really wanted to come out here and get the two wins and put us in the best position for tomorrow," said Calvini. "It's great to get this win for the seniors and everyone who's a huge part of this program. It's really exciting."

The Mountain Hawks will battle Bucknell Saturday at noon looking for their first Patriot League Tournament title. The Bison eliminated Colgate 4-1 in Friday's third game. Bucknell will need to defeat the Mountain Hawks twice to take the title.

"We were in the driver's seat two years ago against Army and it didn't work out for us," said Troyan. "We'll hopefully learn from that and be ready to go come tomorrow."