The University News

Issue date: 3/31/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Dan Stroud Freshman outfielder Ashley Whiteside beats throw to Centenary first baseman Allison McClain.

With the field wet from showers, the UMKC softball team seemed to be stuck in the mud throughout most of its series against the Centenary College Ladies on March 18-19 at Cleveland Park.

The Kangaroos suffered three losses to Centenary, falling to 0-5 in Summit League action.

In the first game, both squads were scoreless in the opening four innings. Strong pitching along with solid defensive play seemed to be the order of the day.

UMKC junior pitcher Samantha Hurst struck out five Centenary players in that four inning stint alone.

"There were definitely parts of the three games that we played well in," said head coach Meredith Smith. "I think our defense was excellent in games one and two. Our pitching was also good in games one and two."

But in the top of the fifth, Ladies senior Jennifer Martin scored the first run of the game and teammate senior Lindsey Virdell followed.

Then in the top of the seventh inning five, Centenary players crossed home plate.

The Ladies held the Roos scoreless throughout.

In the second game of the doubleheader, the Roos brought home their first run. It was in the bottom of the fourth inning after freshmen Megan Ussary and Lauren Cross hit back-to-back doubles. Ussary scored the run, but Cross was left stranded on the base paths after three Kangaroos failed to drive her in.

The Ladies scored two runs in the top of the fourth and retook the lead in the contest, 2-1.

In the top of the fifth inning, with Centenary at bat, senior Lauren Flowers singled to left field. Flowers came around to score and gave Centenary its final run and a 3-1 victory.

A day later UMKC faced the ladies once more. The Ladies scored runs in the top of the first, second and third innings, managing to hold the Roos without a score until the bottom of the fourth inning.

"In games two and three we had some good offense," Smith said. "And then our defense let us down. I think it's just a matter of getting all three games together: pitching, offense and defense. And then we could put a win together."

Senior Monica Canisales ambled to first on a fielder's choice, then advanced to second after Ussary singled to right center. Canisales scored on senior Alicia Baker's base hit.

With that run, Centenary still held a 3-1 edge in the game.

The Ladies added two runs in the top of the fifth. In the bottom of the inning, with two outs, UMKC sophomore Carli Slagle hit a home run for the Roos, making the score 5-2 Ladies.

Centenary would score once more and finish the series with a 6-2 victory.

ebrogdon@unews.com

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