April 3, 2010
Box Score | Photo Gallery 
ROCHESTER, Mich. - Juniors Marisa Everitt (4-6) and Alison Tansel combined their efforts in the circle, scattering six hits and allowing two earned runs and striking out three as the Oakland University softball team (13-22, 5-4 Summit League) took the series from IUPUI (7-24, 4-8 Summit League) with a 4-2 victory Saturday afternoon at the OU Softball Field.
"The team is starting to come together now and they are finally seeing what they are able to do," said interim head coach Jane Zimmerman. "We need to carry this momentum into the next two weeks for some big league matchups."
IUPUI scored first in the top of the opening inning off an Amy Raker single to give the Jags an early 1-0 lead. But after a single by freshman Alivia Nikolaus in the second inning moved senior pinch runner Erica Lozon to second, senior Ashley Sullivan was able to move the runners after her bunt was misplayed on a third base throwing error to give OU the 2-1 advantage.
After senior Anne Cicchini and junior Danielle Peters stoles third and second bases, respectively, the Golden Grizzlies ran up their lead by two more runs in the bottom of the fifth when a throwing error by the pitcher brought both players home to increase the lead to 4-1.
The Jags threatened a comeback in the top of the sixth after a double by Laura Wilcox moved pinch runner Kristine Grohnke to third base and sacrifice fly by Sydney Miller brought Grohnke home for a 4-2 score. But Tansel struck out the last batter to retire the side and forced three groundouts in the top of the seventh to secure the win.
Everitt earned her second win in a row, allowing one earned run off four hits and striking out one batter. Tansel earned her first save of the season, allowing two hits and one earned run while fanning two batters. Samantha Bumbaugh (1-10) was the losing pitcher of record, allowing four runs, one of them earned, off four hits and striking out six batters.
Oakland scored four runs off five hits with no errors, while IUPUI recorded two runs off six hits, committing two errors.
The Golden Grizzlies will next face in-state rival Eastern Michigan University for a non-league doubleheader on Tuesday, April 6. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. and can the games can be followed via Gametracker at www.ougrizzlies.com.
-30-
