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2009 Recap
Softball alumni game to be played May 30
Arcadia University/Beaver College Alumni Softball game will take place at Blankley Field this Saturday, May 30 at 3 pm. All alumni are invited to participate whether pre-registered or not. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved indoors to the Kuch Center. Athletics apparel will be available for sale. For more information, please contact Head Coach Linda Detra at 215-572-2996.
Burns leads six Knights on All Conference Teams
ANNVILLE, PA: 5/4-09 - With a team leading 41 RBI and her most productive season at the plate, Arcadia junior catcher Kristen Burns (Lewes, DE/Sussex Tech) was named First Team All Commonwealth in her first season as the starting catcher for the Knights. Burns, who batted .500 in the Knights two post-season chances, was ranked second in the league in RBIs with 37 behind the Rookie of the Year, Messiah's Jaclyn Merkel, who had 38.
Behind the plate, Burns committed just 2 errors in 41 games this season while racking up 37 hits, 8 doubles, 3 homers and 19 walks at the dish, where she batted .339, fourth best on the squad.
The Knights rang in six total All-Confernce nods, with five named to the Second Team. Senior outfielder Diana Rufo (Secane, NJ/Ridley) receives her first all-conference selection, the Knights fifth best batter in 2009. Rufo ends her career batting .342 having collected 95 hits, 14 doubles, 4 home runs, 41 RBI and 59 runs scored while having robbed opponents on 15 of 16 stolen base attempts. She committed just 5 errors in 114 games, 91 of which she started, ending her playing career with an impressive .958 fielding percentage.
Fellow senior Kiersten Hughes (Mt. Emphraim, NJ/Audubon) receives her first All Conference honor, having been the fourth best pitcher (3.27) in the league through 2009, finishing 11-7 overall with 10 complete games and a pair of shutouts. Hughes moves up to third all-time at Arcadia for wins (40-22 overall), ending her 4 years of work in the pitchers circle with a 2.79 ERA through 408 innings. She threw 38 complete games with 10 shutouts while fannig 255 batters on her career. Hughes also helped at the plate, tacking on 10 RBI and 2 home runs in her senior season.
Sophomore Virginia Buechel (Sparta, NJ/Sparta) who led the squad batting .381, finished second in hits (48) and tied for first with home runs (4) receives her first all-conference selection for her play at third base. Against her Commonwealth opponents, Buechel finished 2nd in runs scored(36), 3rd in doubles(12), tied for 3rd in RBI (31) and 5th in slugging percentage (.571). She will begin the 2010 season just 12 hits shy of the 100-hit plateau.
Two first years grabbed a spot as well. Shortstop Lindsey Henchinski (Blue Anchor, NJ/Winslow Twp.) and outfielder Jennifer Sevitski (Holland, PA/Council Rock South) ranked second and fifth respectively in batting for Arcadia. Henchinski led all Knights with 52 hits as a first year which was 2nd in the league, and batted .374 with 33 runs scored in 40 starts. Sevitski, who made 14 starts in 26 appearances, batted .327 with 17 hits, 13 runs scored and 10 RBI.
The All-Conference team, voted on by the Commonwealth coaches, failed to recognize Arcadia senior Jaime Bee (Langhorne, PA/Villa Joseph Marie) on either team. Playing first base for the Knights, Bee posted numbers more than worthy of an all-conference nod. Against her league opponents, Bee ranks 2nd in doubles (14), tied for 3rd with Buechel in RBI (31), was 4th in both hits (47) and slugging percentage (.568) and was the 6th best batter in the league (.356). Through her four years of play, Bee racked up 30+ hits each season (157 total), 46 of which were extra-base hits. She registered just 4 career home runs balls, all coming in 2009. Ending her career batting .345, she knocked in 93 career RBI, was walked 45 times and made just 13 errors in the field for a four-year fielding percentage of .982, while her crafty base running skills led to a 7-8 career mark on stolen base attempts. Bee was named to the Second Team All Freedom in 2008.
2009 Commonwealth Champions Messiah swept the individual awards. Lindsay Hall was tabbed Player of the Year. Jaclyn Merkel, who led the league in hitting as a first year, was named Rookie of the Year. First year Jessica Rhoades was named Pitcher of the Year while Falcons head coach Amy Weaver took home Coach of the Year honors.
Full Release
Knights season ended by Pride at C'Wealth Championship
GRANTHAM, PA: 5/2/09 - Arcadia University Softball saw their season come to an end Saturday morning at the Commonwealth Conference Championships in a 9-3 loss against #3 Widener University. The Pride went on to defeat the no. 2 seed Lebanon Valley Dutchmen, advancing to the championship game and gave the eventual conference champions and no. 1 seeded Messiah a run for their money. Widener gained an early 4-0 lead over the Falcons but couldn't answer the ten runs posted by the Falcons, who won the NCAA automatic bid with a 10-4 win in the championship title game.
For the Knights, the team found their offense after being held hitless by Messiah in the opening game, but were only able to score in two innings against the Pride, who jumped out to the early 3-0 lead after the first frame. Junior Kristen Burns singled to right field, giving the Knights their first baserunner of the game, eventually scoring on a single to left field from sophomore Ashley McCarthy. Leading 3-1, the Pride strung together another three-run inning in the bottom of the second thanks to a three run bomb from Stephanie Connolly, giving Widener the 6-1 lead.
Senior Jaime Bee drove in the Knights third score of the day on a double to left center, plating Lindsay Henchinski for the run, before crossing home plate herself with Widener still in front 6-3. But that would be all of Arcadia's scoring, as the Pride plated one run in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings, going on to win 9-3.
Senior pitcher Kiersten Hughes survived just 1.1 innings as the Pride took six runs on five hits. Kellie Reese went 4.1 innings in relief of Hughes, allowing 9 hits with just 1 of the 3 runs scored earned. Widener's Kelsey Shultz earned the win. Bee went 2-4 and Burns 2-3 to lead the Knights. Arcadia ends the 2009 campaign with an overall mark of 27-15.
Knights overpowered in 8-0 defeat to Messiah College
GRANTHAM, PA: 5/1/09 - The Commonwealth Conference softball playoffs got underway this afternoon as Arcadia fell to Messiah College 8-0. The Knights looking to pull the upset over the number one seed Falcons were never able to figure out Messiah freshman pitcher Jessica Rhodes who threw a complete game no hitter.
The game remained close through five innings, as Arcadia pitcher Kiersten Hughes kept the team within striking distance behind a 3-0 deficit. Having come from behind several times this year the Knights were hoping to remain close and have an opportunity take advantage of any possible openings Messiah pitching and fielding might relinquish. However Rhodes proved too tough on the afternoon, only allowing just four Knights to reach base, and never more than one runner in any given inning. Rhodes finished the game pitching six innings, with 13 strikeouts and only three walks.
Messiah put the game away in the bottom of the sixth inning, catching fire at the plate and scoring five runs to seal the first round win. The Falcons will return to action this afternoon to play Lebanon Valley, who pulled out a 1-0 win over Widener in the second game on Friday.
The Knights, still have a chance to play for the conference title, as they look to rebound from today’s effort taking on Widener University tomorrow morning at 9:00 AM. The Knights split the regular season double header with the Pride. The games will continue to take place at Messiah College, the host site, and results will be posted as they become available.
#4 Knights opens Commonwealth Championship play with #1 Messiah
Arcadia University Softball captured the #4 seed for the Commonwealth Conference championships. The #4 Knights are set to play #1 Messiah, Friday, May 1 at 11 AM at host Messiah College in Grantham, PA in the opening game of the double elimination 2009 Commonwealth Championship. #2 Lebanon Valley plays #3 Widener University in the second game beginning at 1 PM. All games will take place at Messiah's Starry Field on campus. More info... Directions Tournament Website
Softball Lose Two to Haverford
HAVERFORD, PA: 4/28/09- Arcadia Softball closed out the 2009 regular season with a pair of losses to cross town non-conference rival Haverford College. The Fords pulled out a narrow 9-7 victory in game one followed by a 4-0 shutout of the Knights in the nightcap.
The Knights struggled in the field this afternoon, committing three errors over the two games, the two errors committed in the first game led to two unearned runs, the difference in the game. Haverford jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead after the first inning after the first error of the game allowed the Fords runner to score from first base on a single.
Arcadia would respond in the second inning posting two runs on the board to take a 2-1. Virginia Buechel got the inning started, leading off with a single thorugh the left side of the infield, followed by a bunt single off the bat of Diana Rufo. After two straight put-outs, Ashley McCarthy stepped to the plate and single to right center field, scoring both Buechel and Rufo.
In a back and forth affair early, Haverford would come back to score four runs in the bottom of the third inning, retaking the lead 5-2. Arcadia and Haverford would trade one run innings in the fourth and fifth, entering the sixth inning with a score of 6-3, Haverford. Looking to rally, the Knights would score two runs in the top of the sixth inning to close the gap to one, 6-5. However, Haverford would respond with three runs of its own in the bottom half of the inning, stretching the lead to 9-5.
The Knights would have one last chance for a comeback in the seventh inning, after two outs to start, it looked as though Arcadia would go away quietly, but Rufo would get the Knights started with a 2-out single to left field, giving hope. Kristen Burns would follow Rufo’s single, with a single of her own to right center, and Knights would have two runners on with two out. Danielle Sweeney next to bat would convert on this opportunity, doubling to right field, scoring both Rufo and Burns, and bringing the Knights with two runs of a tie, however the rally would end there, as the Knights went down swinging.
In the second game, Arcadia was outmatched at the plate by Haverford pitching, only mustering four hits, only one hit after the second inning, taking the lost, 4-0.
The Knights were led on the day by Sweeney who went 2-3 in the first game with three RBIs, as well as Rufo who scored three runs after going 3-4 at the plate. In the second game, Brittni Holland led the way, going 2 for 2 in a game where Knight hits were few and far between.
Arcadia returns to action this Friday, May 1, at 11 am to face Messiah College in the opening round of the Commonwealth Conference tournament. The game will be held at Messiah College in Grantham, PA.
Softball closes out home season with a split to Briarcliff
GLENSIDE, PA: 4/25/09Arcadia softball played its final home games of the season this afternoon, earning a split with Briarcliff College, losing 4-1 in the opener, and coming back for a 8-0 win the second game. Jaime Bee had a spectacular game at the plate, delivering four doubles in the two games, and collecting her 150th hit in her first at bat of the afternoon.
In the first game the Knights were unable to capitalize on early opportunities at the plate, leaving four runners on base through the first two innings. Briarcliff was able to push four runs across in the top of the fourth inning, and held on for a 4-1 victory.
In the second the Knights looked to make up for loss time at the plate, capitalizing on early opportunities and jumping out to a 3-0 through the first two innings of play. Following the first two runners reaching base in the top of the first inning, Bee stepped up to the plate and roped a double to center field scoring one, and giving the Knights the only run they would need on the afternoon.
Kelsey Roberts started the second game pitching three scoreless innings before giving way to Kiersten Hughes who closed out the game with four hitless innings.
The Knights would put the game away in the bottom of the sixth innings. After loading the bases and already pushing one run across, Jennifer Sevitski laced a triple to left field clearing the bases and then scored on a throwing error by the left fielder, to give Arcadia the 8-0 victory.
Arcadia returns to action tomorrow when they travel to face Misericordia University for a doubleheader, scheduled to begin at 1 pm.
Softball drops a pair at Misericordia
The Knights traveled to Misericordia University Sunday afternoon, dropping a pair of games, 5-4 in the opener and 3-1 in the second contest. This was the second doubleheader in as many days for Arcadia as they prepare for the Commonwealth Conference play-offs which begin this upcoming weekend, May 1st.
Arcadia and Misericordia, played pretty even throughout the first game this afternoon, every inning by one tam, was answered with a similar inning by the other side, leading to an extra inning affair. Arcadia opened the second inning with a run to take a 1-0 lead only to have Misericordia answer with a run of its own in the bottom of the inning. Following two scoreless Arcadia halves of the third and fourth, the Cougars answered with three runs combined those innings, to take a 4-1 advantage through four.
The Knights would respond, scoring two runs in the top of the fifth, and adding the game tying run in the top of the sixth inning. Arcadia was able to take advantage of poor fielding by the Cougars in each inning to push runs across the plate.
The game would remain tied though seven and was forced into an eighth frame in which Misericordia was able to score the winning run on an RBI single off the bat of center fielder Courtney Novajosky.
Arcadia pitcher Kiersten Hughes pitched a complete game 7 2/3 innings in the loss for the Knights, surrendering five runs, four of which were earned on seven hits.
In the second game Misericordia used a two run bottom of the sixth to break a 1-1 tie and earn a 3-1 win over the Knights of Arcadia. Kellie Reese in complete game action took the loss, giving up three runs on eleven hits in six innings of action for Arcadia.
The Knights were shut down by phenomenal pitching by Misericordia starter Katie Eiden, who also in complete game action only surrendered one run on three hits, while striking out 10 Knight batters on the afternoon.
Softball Locks up Play-off Apperance; Sweeps Elizabethtown
ELIZABETHTOWN, PA: 4/22/09 - The Arcadia University softball team took two from the Blue Jays of Elizabethtown this evening in a very important conference doubleheader. The two teams entered the contests tied for fourth place in the standing with four wins a piece in league play. The Knights 5-3 and 8-7 victories assures them one of the four play-off slots as they currently sit in third position, one game ahead of Widener University.
The Knights in game one struck first scoring one in the top of the first inning, and lengthening the lead to a 4-0 advantage with three runs in the top of the third. These would be all the runs Arcadia would need as Kiersten Hughes pitched a complete game, surrendering only three runs on five hits and improving her overall record to 11-3 on the season.
Arcadia would tack on an insurance run in the top of the seventh after the Blue Jays had narrowed the margin to 4-3 through five innings of play. Leading the way for the Knights in game one from the plate was Jaime Bee who continued her hot hitting, going 3-4 and knocking three RBIs. Virginia Buechel also had a quality game, going 2-4 and knocking in the other two runs for the game.
Game two was a bit more of an of an offensive showcase, as both teams battled with Arcadia striking first and jumping out to 5-1 lead through three innings of play. After Elizabethtown put a run on the board in the bottom of the fourth, the Knights responded with three runs of their own in the top of the fifth to take an 8-2 advantage.
The Blue Jays would respond, coming back with two runs of their own in the bottom half of the fifth, and two more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning, tightening the Knights lead to 8-6 with one inning to play. Elizabethtown would go on to load the bases in the bottom of the seventh but were only able to push one run across before the Knights secured the third and final out of the contest.
Earning the win in a complete game outing was Kellie Reese for the Knights, who gave up fourteen hits on the evening, while battling through a less than stellar defensive effort behind her in the circle, giving up seven runs only three of which were earned. Bee again had a magnificent game at the plate, again going 3-4 and collecting two more RBIs, for five on the afternoon with three runs scored. Kristen Burns also had a great game, taking advantage of every plate appearance reaching three times, on two walks and a hit with three RBIs.
The Knights return to action Saturday home to face Briar Cliff University.
Dutchmen shut-out Knights; sweep softball doubleheader
Annville, PA: 4/18/09 The Lebanon Valley pitching staff had Arcadia's batters numbers today not allowing a single hit in either contest this afternoon, and only five runners to reach base, en-rout to a pair of 2-0 and 1-0 wins over the Knights. Arcadia drops to 22-8 overall and 4-6 in conference play, and are still looking to battle it out for the final play-off seed.
In games which every base-runner was of the utmost importance, the Dutchmen of Lebanon Valley took advantage of the few opportunities presented in the doubleheader. In the opener, the Dutchmen’s first batter of the game reached base via a hit by pitch, they small ball from there on in, moving the runner to second via a sacrifice bunt, and scoring the runner via a single. Lebanon Valley would put two runs on the board in the opening inning which proved to be all they would need to win the game, as pitcher Val Malizzia would toss five perfect innings en-rout to a complete game no-hitter.
In the second game, the Knights would look to have a better performance at the plate, but Valley pitcher Laura Snyder was up to the task of following Malizzia’s game one no-hitter with one of her own. Striking out eleven Knights batters, while only walking two. Even more impressive, Snyder was under intense pressure through the first 5 ½ innings as the score remained notched at zero. It wasn’t until the home half of the sixth inning was the Dutchmen able to finally earn a run against Knight pitcher Kellie Reece, who pitched a spectacular game of her own. Again, it was small ball which brought home the Dutchmen’s only run, following a single, they would move the runner to second on a sac bunt, and would score on another single, to break the 0-0 tie.
Knight pitchers, Reese and game one starter Kiersten Hughes performances were overshadowed by the pitching of the home team, Dutchmen, however each pitcher was great throughout. Hughes, after allowing two runs to cross the plate in the first inning, followed it up with five straight scoreless innings. Reese also pitched five straight scoreless innings before allowing the winning run to cross the plate in the bottom of the sixth.
Next up for the Knights is conference opponent Elizabethtown, both teams enter the contest with four league wins, making this a very important doubleheader for both team battling it out for the final play-off seed. Commonwealth conference play-offs are set to begin May 1st.
Softball splits twinbill with Rutgers-Camden
CAMDEN, N.J. (April 16, 2009) – Rutgers-Camden junior center fielder Nikki DiVece (Pine Hill, NJ/Overbrook Regional) hit a two-run game-winning single in the bottom of the seventh inning of the opener and Arcadia University junior catcher Kristen Burns (Lewes, DE/Sussex Tech) hit a three-run homer in the nightcap as the two teams split a non-conference doubleheader Thursday at Rutgers-Camden Community Park.
Rutgers-Camden scored three runs in the seventh to win the opener, 4-3 and Arcadia bounced back to take the second game, 4-2. The split leaves the Lady Raptors with a 19-11 record, while the Knights stand at 24-6.
Rutgers-Camden plays a New Jersey Athletic Conference makeup doubleheader Friday at The College of New Jersey, beginning at 3 p.m. Arcadia returns to action Saturday at 1 p.m. with a Commonwealth Conference doubleheader at Lebanon Valley College.
Rutgers-Camden 4, Arcadia 3
In the opening game, the Knights took a 3-1 lead into the bottom of the seventh inning before the Lady Raptors’ junior designated player Stephanie Klotz (Nutley, NJ/Nutley) started the game-winning rally with a bunt single. She advanced on a sacrifice by sophomore second baseman Brooke Keenan (Mt. Laurel, NJ/Lenape) and scored on a single to center by junior third baseman Steph Skroski (Stratford, NJ/Sterling). With two outs, freshman catcher Erika Drayton (Blackwood, NJ/Triton Regional) singled to left and advanced to second on a throw attempting to get Skroski at third. Drayton was removed for pinch-runner Lindy Iannacone (Riverton, NJ/Palmyra) and DiVece dropped a single into left field to score both Skroski and Iannacone with the tying and winning runs.
Rutgers-Camden had taken a first-inning lead on a bunt single by Klotz and an RBI double by Skroski, but the Knights exploded for three runs with two outs in the third inning. Sophomore second baseman Ashley McCarthy (Norristown, PA/Norristown) started the frame with a one-out walk. An out later, four straight Knights reached base, sandwiching two walks between singles by freshman shortstop Lindsey Henchinski (Blue Anchor, NJ/Winslow Township) and sophomore third baseman Virginia Buechel (Sparta, NJ/Sparta). One run scored on a wild pitch and Buechel plated two more with her single to center.
Raptor senior Natalie Powell (Williamstown, NJ/Williamstown) allowed only the two second-inning singles and picked up the win with the Raptors’ late rally. Powell (10-7) walked six, struck out six and allowed three earned runs.
Arcadia senior Kiersten Hughes (Mt. Ephraim, NJ/Audubon) was in line for the win before the final inning. She worked the first five innings, allowing five hits, three walks and one earned run. She didn’t have a strikeout.
Junior Jessica DeFluri (Brick, NJ/Brick Memorial) took the loss in 1-2/3 innings of relief. DeFluri (3-1) allowed four hits and three earned runs. She fanned two.
Skroski went 3-for-3 and Klotz was 2-for-4 for the Raptors in the opener.
Arcadia 4, Rutgers-Camden 2
In the nightcap, the Knights bounced back behind the combined four-hit pitching of freshmen Kelsey Roberts (Middleville, NJ/Kittatinny) and Emily Pagnotta (Medford, NJ/Shawnee). Roberts (6-2) earned the win, working five innings and allowing four hits and two runs, only one earned. She fanned three. Pagnotta notched her first save with two perfect innings, striking out one.
The Knights scored the only runs they needed in the third inning when junior right fielder Brittni Holland (Mickleton, NJ/Kingsway) had an infield single, Buechel walked and Burns ripped a three-run homer to left.
Rutgers-Camden scored both its runs in the fourth sparked by singles from DiVece and senior left fielder Cristina Petrutz (Somerdale, NJ/Sterling). Junior first baseman Angie Arpino (Somerdale, NJ/Sterling) plated one run with a ground out and the Raptors tallied another when Petrutz stole third and scored on a throwing error.
Petrutz went 2-for-3 as the only player with multiple hits in the game.
Softball Remains Hot, Wins Two at Eastern
ST. DAVID'S, PA: Arcadia Softball picked up win numbers 22 and 23 on the year with a pair of non-conference wins today at Eastern University. The Knights improve to 23-5 with today's 8-2 and 4-1 wins. the first game Arcadia got on the board first posting a run in the top of the second, to earn a 1-0 advantage which held until the bottom of the fourth, where the lead would dissipate and Eastern would go on top 2-1.
Responding like they have done almost every game this year, the Knight’s bats would awaken in the top of the fifth, putting together a seven run inning. Lindsey Henchinski started off the inning with a single, followed by a walk to Brittni Holland, and a Jaime Bee triple would bring them both home before recording an out in the inning. Those would be all the runs Arcadia would need for the win, but for assurance, Arcadia would plate five more batters, capitalizing on poor field by the Eagles, patient batting and timely hitting.
Kiersten Hughes picked up the win in the first game, pitching six innings before giving way to Emily Pagnotta to finish the game. Hughes only gave up three hits on the afternoon and two runs in her six innings of action.
The second game would see a scoreless match through the first three innings of play, before Arcadia would break through first with a run in the top of the fourth. The Eagles would respond with a run of their own in the bottom of the fifth, to tie the score at 1-1 through five.
Entering the final inning of play with the score ties, the Knights made their move, posting three runs on the board and putting the game out of reach. A perfect bottom of sixth inning pitched by Kelsey Roberts would seal the win and an afternoon sweep for the Knights.
Roberts pitched all six innings, surrendering only one run on two hits, and battling through control issues, having walked seven batters and striking out four.
For the day the Knights were led at the plate by Bee who over the course of the two games went 3-5 with three RBIs.
Arcadia Softball splits a pair against Swarthmore College
The Arcadia Knights won the first game of a non-conference home double-header this afternoon against Swarthmore College 8-0, while falling in the nightcap 5-1. This was the final home games for the Knigthts season as their next six contest will be on the road as they aim for a spot in the Commonwealth Conference tournament.
Pitching for Arcadia in the opening game was Kiersten Hughes, who scattered seven hits, while not allowing a run to cross in the plate in a complete game, five inning effort. Hughes walked two batters while striking out five.
The big inning for Arcadia came in the bottom of the third where the Knights put a four spot on the board. Arcadia was able to load the bases with only one out on the board following a single by Virginia Buechel, Diana Rufo reaching on an error and Kristen Burns reaching on a hit by pitch. Just as has occurred all season, the Knights took advantage of the situation as Diana Sweeny stepped to the plate and placed a single through the infield to score the second run of the game. With the bases still loaded Ashley McCarthy laced a double over the center fielder’s head, plating two more Knights. Arcadia would tack on another run off a single from the bat of Hughes, giving the Knights a 5-0 advantage after three.
The score would remain the same until the bottom of the fifth inning where the Knights would put the game away scoring three and bringing the contest to a halt, for a final score of 8-0.
Swarthmore pitching was able to corral the heavy hitting bats of the Knights in the second game, limiting to only five hits. However, the Knights unraveling would come in the field as they committed four errors, leading to three runs for the Garnets. Two of those errors coming in the Swarthmore half of the fourth, as they put three runs on the board.
In the loss for the Knights, Kellie Reese pitched five innings, giving up five runs, only two of which were earned on seven hits, while striking out three.
On the afternoon the Knights were led from the plate by Jaime Bee who went 3-7, with three RBIs.
The Knights will have an extended break, and will return to action Monday April 13th when they travel to face Eastern for a 3 pm start.
Softball sweeps the Aggies of Del Val
Arcadia University Softball sweep a pair of games Wednesday against area foe Delaware Valley, to keep its non-conference win streak in tack. The Knights remain undefeated in non-league play with a perfect record of 16-0. Arcadia took the first game 9-4 and the second game 10-4 in six innings improving to 20-4 overall on the season, and for a trio of brilliant seniors their 100th win of their careers here at Arcadia. Senior Kiersten Hughes pitched a complete game earning the win in game one for the Knights, who also belted her second home run in as many games out of the yard, this one of the 3-run variety.
Arcadia was able to jump on Aggie pitching earning, putting up a seven spot to open the game in the top of the first. The Knights loaded the bases with no outs, as sophomore Virginia Buechel stepped to the plate and laced a single into right field scoring two. After the Aggies were able to secure two consecutive outs, Danielle Sweeney worked the count in her favor, earning a walk, followed by 2-run double off the bat of Ashley McCarthy, capping off the inning was Hughes 3-run home run, plating both Sweeney and McCarthy. The Knights would go and tack on two more runs throughout the game, putting the game out of reach.
Kelsey Roberts got the nod in game two, following up Hughes game one complete game performance with a six inning complete game of her own. Again the Knights were able to attack Aggie pitching early, giving Roberts a four run lead before she even stepped into the circle. Opening up the first inning, four consecutive Knights batters reached base via walks, in all six batters walked in the inning, producing three runs, the fourth run of the inning was unearned. Arcadia would go on to score two runs each in the 4th, 5th, and 6th innings to earn a 10-4 defeat in the game which was suspended after six due to darkness.
On the day the Knights were lead at the plate by Buechel who was 6-7 on the day with five RBIs and four runs scored. The Knights return to action today, Thursday April 9th when they take on Swathmore College in double header action here at Blankley Field, gametime 3pm.
Knights split with Pride to remain in playoff contention
GLENSIDE, PA: 4/5/09 - Arcadia University Softball spilt Saturday’s Commonwealth Conference doubleheader against Widener University to improve to 4-4 in the league and take a hold of the fourth spot in the standings that would give them a playoff berth if maintained. Senior Kiersten Hughes, who was 3 outs away from a complete game 5 hitter before being relieved by game one winner Jess DeFluri, launched her first collegiate home run on a 2-out count in the bottom of the second to put the Knights in front 3-0. Senior Jaime Bee also hit a homerun, hers a 2-out shot in the bottom of the 7th to break a 3-3 tie, winning the game for Arcadia.
Arcadia (18-4, 4-4 Commonwealth) had built up a 3-0 lead while holding the Pride (15-11, 4-2 Commonwealth) scoreless until the top of the 6th, an inning the Knights would rather forget. Back to back doubles yielded the Pride’s first run of the day which only sparked a 3-run inning, tying the game at 3 with each team left with their final at-bats. Jess DeFluri entered in the top of the 7th for Arcadia and pitched a perfect inning of relief to set her team up for some last inning heroics. At the top of the order, Arcadia found themselves down two outs after a line-out and fly-out preceded Bee’s solo walk-off home run giving Arcadia the 4-3 win in game one.
Starter Kelli Reese worked a scoreless 4 hitter through 6 innings in game two, relieved by Kelsey Roberts, who gave the Pride their 5th and final hit of the game on a single-throwing error combination. After a walk to start the inning, an Arcadia throwing error allowed a runner on second to score, giving Widener the one run lead with Arcadia up for their final at-bats. The Knights lone base runner of the bottom of the 7th came on a 3-out walk and was left on base on a ground out to second. Roberts settled for the game two loss while Widener’s Kelsey Schultz pitched the complete game 4-hit shutout.
Arcadia plays a 3 PM doubleheader at non-conference Delaware Valley on Monday.
Softball remains hot, sweeps Wesley in doubleheader
The Arcadia softball this afternoon sweep a doubleheader match against Wesley College, taking the first game 8-4 and shut out Wesley 10-0 in the second game. The wins are Arcadia 13th out of 14th tries, and improve their overall record to 17-3.
The Knights opened up the game scoring one run in the bottom of the first inning to grab the early lead, only to see the Wolverines respond with four runs in the top of the second inning to go ahead 4-1.
The lead would remain the same until the bottom of the third inning when the Knights bats would look for a response of their own. Jaime Bee started off the inning with a lead-off single, and Virginia Buechel continued her hot streak at the plate, crushing a two-run home run, closing the deficit to one run at 4-3. Lindsey Henchinski would continue her own hot streak, singling home Diana Rufo, who reached base on a two out single, tying the game at four runs a piece.
The Knights would put the game away in the bottom of the fourth, scoring four more runs, two coming off a two RBI double from the bat of Kristen Burns, and another off an RBI single by Ashley McCarthy.
Kristen Hughes earned the win for the Knights, pitching a complete game, surrendering four runs on five hits in seven innings of play.
In the second game the Knights began their offense dominance early and often, scoring four runs in both the bottom of the first and second to grab an 8-0 lead and never look back.
The Knights opened up the first inning with the first four people reaching base, with three runs crossing the plate before an out was recorded. The big hit came off the bat of Buechel who laced a single into right field, scoring two Knights. In the second inning Arcadia would look to put the game away for good, this time the first five Knights who stepped to the plate reached base, with Buechel again delivering an RBI single, and along with Rufo rocketing a double into the outfield scoring two more Knights.
Kelsey Roberts picked up the win for the Knights in the second game, pitching the complete five innings, giving up only two hits in a shut out performance.
From here the Knights would cruise home to victory, 10-0, in five innings. For the day the Knights were led by Buechel who went 4-6 on the day with five RBIs and three runs scored. In addition Diana Rufo had a great day at the plate, going 5-6 with three RBIs and three runs scored.
Softball splits conference doubleheader at Lycoming
The Knights playing their second doubleheader in as many days against a conference opponent split a pair, losing 4-3 in the opener, and coming back with a 7-3 victory in the second game.
Kiersten Hughes got the start in the first game, pitching a complete game, surrendering four runs on seven hits in the loss. Opposing pitcher Nabholz also went the entire game earning the win.
The first game saw Lycoming jump out to an early 2-0 lead through three innings, capitalizing on timely hits. The Knights were able to get on the scoreboard in the top of the fourth inning following an error by Lycoming’s third baseman, which scored Virginia Buechel who led off the inning with a double.
Lycoming’s advantage would remain 2-1 until Arcadia stepped to the plate in the top of the sixth inning. With two outs, the Knights would look to finally capitalize, after Ashley McCarthy walked, Kiersten Hughes reached base on an error by the center fielder, placing runners at first and second. Lindsey Henchinski then delivered a single, scoring both McCarthy and Hughes, and giving the Knights the lead 3-2.
However, the lead would be short lived as Lycoming responded with two runs of their own in the bottom of the sixth, giving them their ultimate advantage of 4-3.
In the second game of the double-header the Knights would again fall behind, after two straight scoreless innings to start the game, Lycoming struck the scoreboard first, putting up two runs in the bottom of the third to take the lead 2-0.
The score would remain the same until the top of the sixth inning, when the Knights bats would come to life. Back to back singles with one down by Henchinski and Brittni Holland, would lead to a run scored by McCarthy would lead off the inning with a single. With two down, Buechel would again deliver, lacing a double into center field scoring Henchinski and knotting the game up at 2-2.
After a run in the bottom of the sixth would again put Lycoming in the lead, Arcadia would look to respond in the top of the seventh. Respond is exactly what the Knights did, with their biggest inning of the afternoon. A five run top of the seventh would put the game of reach and secure a win for the Knights, 7-3.
Kelly Reece got the win for the Knights, pitching a complete game, seven innings, eight hits, and three runs, while striking out five and walking only one. The Knights improve to 13-3 overall and 3-3 in the conference.
On the day the Knights were led by Holland and Buechel who both went 3-8 with 4 RBIs combined. Also having a big afternoon was Henchinski who for the day was 3-9 with four RBIs.
Arcadia returns home Tuesday March 31st to face non-conference opponent Wesley in a doubleheader set to begin at 3pm.
Softball sweeps doubleheader against Albright
Arcadia University took both games of their home conference double-header matchup between Albright College. The Knights outlasted the Lions winning the opener in the bottom of the ninth, 4-3. The second game was filled with less drama as the Knights won 11-3 in five innings.
Kiersten Hughes started the first game of the double-header pitching four innings before giving way to Jessica DeFluri who went five innings picking up the win. DeFluri was brilliant giving up only three hits, while walking three batters, striking out two, and not surrendering a single run.
The Knights were down 3-0 entering the bottom of the sixth inning when their bats finally came to life, starting off with Brittni Holland reaching on an error by the second baseman. The Knights were able to manufacture three runs off of RBI singles by Kristen Burns, and Danielle Sweeney, Sweeney driving home two.
With the score tied at 3-3 through 8 ½ inning Arcadia came to bat, Ashley McCarthy reached on a inning opening walk, and would eventually come around to score the game-winning run off a Lindsey Henchinski single.
In the second game of the double header the Knights didn’t wait long to begin their offensive domination, scoring four runs in the bottom of the first. Buechel got the scoring started rocketing a three run homer over the fence, scoring Henchinski and Holland who opened the inning with back-to back singles. The Knights bats wouldn’t lay to rest yet, with two outs, Burns stepped to the plate and laced a solo home-run out of the yard.
The Lions would forever play catch up in the second game, as they were able to put one run on the board in the top of the second, only to see the Knights answer with a second straight four run inning of their own.
As darkness loomed the Knights were able to put one last run on the board in the bottom of the fifth, putting the eight-run rule into effect and ending the contest.
The wins improves Arcadia’s record to 14-2 overall and evens their conference record to 2-2 entering the weekend. For the day the Knights were lead by Buechel who was perfect on the day going 4-4, scoring three runs, and batting in four. Burns also had quite an afternoon going 4-7 scoring two runs while knocking in five Knights.
The Knights return to action tomorrow as they travel to conference for Lycoming for a double-header set to begin at 1pm.
Two more wins for Arcadia University Softball
Arcadia’s softball team followed up two wins on Wednesday with two more thrilling wins on Thursday afternoon. After a complete rout of Sweet Briar College in the first game, 14-1, the Knights had to rally to win their second contest against Savannah College of Art and Design, 10-7.
After a semi-close close first game of the series against Sweet Briar College on Wednesday afternoon, the Knights dominated Thursday’s contest from beginning to end. Arcadia registered fourteen runs on sixteen hits on way to its 14-1 win. Five different players had multi-hit performances, lead by Jaime Bee who went 2-3 on the afternoon with three RBIs and two doubles. The Knights also received a complete game, overpowering performance from Jessica DeFluri who only allowed one run on three hits.
In the second game, the Knights found themselves trailing 7-6 entering the final inning of play. Although this was not a situation Arcadia had found them in much this season, they were able to rally, loading the bases and putting tremendous pressure on the opposing pitcher. Bee, who hit her first career home run in Wednesday’s win over Haskell Indian Nations University, stepped to the plate with the bases full and connected sending a bases clearing, game-winning, walk-off home run out of the yard. That home run capped off a great day at the plate for Bee, who went 4-8 over the two games, with 8 RBIs.
Kellie Reece got the win for the Knights who relieved starting pitcher Kiersten Hughes, pitching two innings, giving up one run on two hits.
The Knights return to action Friday afternoon with their final two games in Myrtle Beach, SC. They will take on Sweet Briar College at 9am, followed by an 11am game against Haskell.
Softball opens up spring break trip with two wins
Myrtle Beach, SC: 3/18/09 - After watching the rain fall for two straight days, the Arcadia softball team showed no signs of rust in rout to two wins yesterday afternoon. In the opening game of the day the Knights took on Sweet Briar College, winning by a score of 9-3, the second game the Knights played Haskell Indian Nations University, winning 7-1. The wins improve the Knights record to 8-2 overall.
The Knights were led in the opener by Sophomore Virginia Buechel who went 3-3 with two RBIs, and scored three runs. Kiersten Hughes picked up the win, going six innings, giving up three runs on five hits.
In the second game, the Knights grabbed control of the game early with Senior Jaime Bee connecting on a pitch sending it over the wall for a 2-run homer, the first of her career. These runs would prove to be the only offense needed for the rest of the evening as winning pitcher Kellie Reecs went 6 innings, giving up only one run on four hits.
In addition to her efforts in the circle, Reese went 2-3 on the day from the plate. The Knights were also lead by Kristen Burns who had a 3-4 performance, knocking in four RBIs, in the 7-1 win. Many Arcadia hitters were successful on the day as the Knights finished with 25 hits on the day combined between the two wins.
The Knights return to action today in match-ups between Sweet Briar College and Savannah College of Art and Design.
Softball returns to win column with pair of victories over Hood
GLENSIDE, PA: 3/12/09 - Arcadia University Softball picked up a pair of wins in this afternoon's non-conference doubleheader against Hood College behind solid pitching from senior Kiersten Hughes who notched a complete game win and a save along with 8 strikeouts helping the Knights to improve to 6-2 overall.
With Hood up 1-0 at the bottom of the first in game one, the Knights reeled three straight hits, led off by first year Lindsey Henchinski's double, a sinlge from junior Brittany Holland followed by a two-run single from junior Kristen Burns as Arcadia took the 2-1 lead. Sophomore Ashley McCarthy doubled to score two more Arcadia runs as the Knights closed out the first inning with 4 runs on 5 hits and the 4-1 lead. The Knights tacked on three unearned runs in the bottom of the 5th to go up 7-1. Hood helped themselves to a big inning in the top of six with a grand slam by their catcher Zerby and Arcadia's 6 run lead quickly dwindled down to one until Henchinski laced another double in the bottom of the 7th, eventually scoring on another RBI single from Burns that all but sealed the 8-6 Arcadia game one win.
Sophomore Kellie Reese got the game one start for Arcadia and the win while Hughes earned the save on a pair of strikeouts in the 7th that helped stave off Hood. Holland went 3-4, Henchinsk 2-2 and Burns 2-4 with 5 RBIs to pace the Knights.
Hughes picked right back up in game two, working her way through 4 Hood strikouts but Hood found themselves in front again to open the game with a 3-0 lead after the top of the 3rd complements of another homer by Zerby, this time a three run shot over the fence. But Hughes maintained her composure, allowing Hood just two more hits as she completed the game behind some big Arcadia offense in the bottom of the 3rd and 5th.
Burns picked up the Knights first run of the game, scoring on a passed ball that also moved runners to second and third.
Sophomore Virginia Buechel scored on a pop out and then a pair of walks loaded the bases and just in time for the hot bat of Henchinski, who ripped another double to plate three more Arcadia scores putting the Knights in front 5-3. Buechel and senior Diana Rufo would score runs in the 4th before Arcadia took four more runs from Hood in the bottom of the 5th that forced the 8-run rule and the game. Burns plated three runs on a double with no outs away while first year Erin Wojciesyn scored on a bases loaded walk to ice the 11-3 win for Arcadia.
Rufo went 2-2, Burns 2-3 with 3 more RBIs, giving her 8 for the day, while Henchinski batted 2-4 with 3 RBIs. Hughes hurled 8 strikeouts against 23 batters, improving to 3-1 on the year.
Arcadia begins their Spring Break travels on Saturday and will play a wealth of games at Snowbird Softball in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina before returning home to play at Albright College on March 28th, a Commonwealth doubleheader.
Knights drop a pair in Commonwealth Conference Opener
Glenside, PA: 3/10/09 - Arcadia University softball team opened up conference play, dropping a pair this afternoon at home against Messiah College, 5-2 in the opening contest and a 7-4 defeat in second game, both teams entered the double-header undefeated. The losses drop Arcadia to 4-2 overall, 0-2 in conference play, while the Falcons of Messiah College improve their record to 8-0 and 2-0 in conference play.
Senior pitcher Kiersten Hughes took the circle for the Knights in game one. After the Falcons getting on the board in the top of the second inning, the Knights responded in the bottom half of the fourth. With a runner on first after a single by Jaime Bee, Virginia Buechel stepped to the plate and crushed a 2 run homer, giving the Knights the lead. Arcadia would hold onto the slim 2-1 advantage until the top of the 6th inning. A pair of walks and a hit batsman by pitcher Hughes with one out caused trouble for the Knights, Messiah junior Nicole Adams stepped to the plate and cleared the bases with a game-winning grand slam home run, giving the Falcons the lead and win, 5-2.
In the nightcap, Messiah again got their scoring going early taking a 1-0 lead in the top of the opening inning. The Falcons would build on this lead scoring again in the top of the 3rd and 5th innings to grab a 4-0 advantage through 4 ½ innings. In the bottom half of the 5th inning the Knights would receive a much needed spark, again from the bat of Buechel. After back to back singles to open the inning by Jennifer Sevitski and Lindsey Henchinski, Buechel would step to the plate with runners at 2nd and 3rd. Buechel after battling through a number tough pitches finally got a hold of a pitch and laced a double into center field, scoring two runs. Buechel would eventually come around to score on an error, closing the Messiah lead to 4-3 entering the top of the 6th and final inning due to darkness. Messiah would quickly answer, after being down to their final out of the inning, a runner would reach on a error extending the inning, this was all the momentum the Falcons would need, as an RBI single would follow and then the final blow of the game came as Lauren Seneca hit a 2-run homer to build the advantage to 7-3. Arcadia would look to make yet another run in the bottom of the 6th. With 2 outs, Sevitski got a hold of a pitch and hammered a solo home run over the center field wall. This however proved to be the last of the offense for the Knights as they fell to the Falcons 7-4.
First-year pitcher Kelsey Roberts took the loss in the second game surrending 4 runs on 6 hits through 5.1 innings of work. Sophmore Virginia Buechel led the Knights going 2-5, with a double, home run, and 4 RBIs in the double-header. Arcadia University softball returns to action this Thursday with a double-header against Hood College, game time 2:30 pm.
