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 Emily Stegeman drove in three of the Flyers' seven runs against URI |
March 20, 2009
XENIA, Ohio - The University of Dayton softball squad started with a fresh slate, opening Atlantic 10 play with a 7-2 victory over Rhode Island at Athletes in Action Stadium. Sophomore Emily Stegeman was 2-for-3 with 3 RBI to pace the Flyer offense. Junior Eva Rappe allowed just four hits and struck out three to get the complete game win.
"I'm proud of the team for moving past our non-conference schedule and performing so well in our Atlantic 10 opener," said UD Head Coach Cara Clark. "Eva showed great leadership and poise on the mound. The offensive attack was consistent and productive when we had runners on base."
The Rhodys (5-11, 0-1 A-10) took an early 1-0 lead after the first inning, but Rappe took control, only allowing one hit over the next five innings.
Dayton (3-17, 1-0 A-10) evened up the score in the bottom of the second. Freshman Courtney Kutsulis reached first on a single through the left side. Junior Megan Lee crushed a ball over the right fielder's head for a triple to score Kutsulis. The Flyers went on to score two runs each in the third, fourth and sixth innings.
Stegeman got the first of her 3 RBI with a stand-up double in the third to score Rappe.
Junior Molly Meyer, who was recently named the A-10's Co-Player of the Week, started off the fourth inning, beating out a throw by the shortstop. After Meyer stole a base, and junior Anne Maci drew a walk, freshman Brandy Brown drove them both in with a double crushed down the left field line.
Senior Katie Jordan started the sixth with a walk on a 3-2 count. Brown reached after getting hit by a pitch and Stegeman came through again, driving them both in with a single lined into right field.
Dayton continues its A-10 series with Rhode Island Saturday at UD Softball Stadium. First pitch is slated for 12 p.m. ET.