Softball takes two from city rival La Salle

The Penn women's softball team was looking for a strong all-around effort to propel themselves into league play, and that's exactly what they got.

The Red and Blue won a hard fought, extra-inning game over La Salle, 1-0, to open a doubleheader.

In a game dominated by pitching, Penn's Nicole Borgstadt was the best out there. In a near-flawless effort, the right-handed sophomore held the Explorers to no runs over eight innigs while scattering 4 hits -- two of which never left the infield.

The fielding behind was Borgstadt was equally impressive. The glovework from the Quakers was unblemished during the opener, led by third basemen Jen Moore, who had five assists.

"The defense played so well and I had lots of confidence in them, Borgstadt said. "I could go after the hitters."

The lone run of the game came in the bottom of the eighth inning off La Salle starter Ali Wood, who had done an equally impressive job all afternoon.

Penn's Lindsey Wager led off the inning for the Quakers and reached base on the throwing error of La Salle third baseman Sarah Punderson.

After catcher Danielle Landolt laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt, LaSalle first baseman Amanda Clark attempted to get the force at second. However, Wagner hustled down to second leaving the Quakers with two on and none out.

After a fly out, Kristi Hackett and Crista Farrell hit back-to-back singles to left field to plate Wagner with the game's lone run.

The hot Quaker bats from the eighth inning carried over into game two, which they dominated start to finish and won, 9-1.

Already holding a 2-1 lead, the Penn team put the game out of reach by tacking on three more runs in the bottom of the third.

Deborah Kowalchuk earned a one out walk and was advanced to second on a Moore sacrifice bunt.

Clean up hitter Erin O'Brien was then able to reach base on a throwing error by Punderson. Kowalchuk scored on the play. Zahya Hentz and Courtney Dilts followed with a pair of extra base hits -- a triple and a double, respectively -- to give the Quakers a commanding four-run lead.

Kowalchuk (2 for 2, walk, RBI and two runs scored) and Moore (2 for 2, run scored) led the hitting barrage in the second game.

Borgstadt and the defense were also brilliant in game two. With the defense strong all afternoon, Borgstadt was able to challenge hitters and keep the ball around the plate all day.

She finished the doubleheader allowing only one run in 13 innings, three strikeouts and only one walk.

"We have been on a positve note since Florida, and hope that it will continue as we head to Ivies," Borgstadt said.

This weekend the Quakers kick off their Ivy league season, when they go head-to-head with Ivy league rival Princeton on Saturday. The squad is hoping to start out league play with a win.

The Tigers are currently 10-12, after notching a doubleheader win over Rutgers on Wednesday. This will be Princeton's first Ivy League matchup of the season as well.

The Red and Blue will remain busy all weekend, as they take on Rider on Sunday. Both games will be played at home on Warren Field.

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