April 8, 2011

Game 1 | Game 2

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Freshman Erika Polidori went 3-for-4 and scored four runs as the Oakland University softball team (8-19, 3-8 Summit) dropped a doubleheader 10-2 and 12-5 to North Dakota State (17-21, 7-4 Summit), Friday afternoon at Sherman Park.

"Plain and simple, our defense let us down," said head coach LaDonia Hughes. "I thought we pitched two decent games. We were more aggressive at the plate in the second game. We have to make plays to win. When you commit 10 errors and give up 10 unearned runs in two games, you can't expect to win. Tomorrow is another day and I believe we will have a better showing."

In game one, North Dakota State jumped to a 4-0 lead after two innings. In the third inning, Polidori walked and junior Kelsey Krych singled to left field. Sacrifice bunts from sophomore Erin Galloway and junior Kylie Schalz would eventually push Polidori across the plate.

The Bison would use three hits and six errors to score five runs over the next two innings. That made it 9-1, NDSU heading into the top of the fifth.

Polidori was hit by a pitch and moved to second on a fielder's choice by Krych. Galloway advanced the runners with a fly to left field. Schalz then plated Polidori with a sacrifice bunt to make it 9-2.

North Dakota State would score in the bottom of the fifth to end the game.

For Oakland, Polidori scored two runs and Krych and freshman Alyssa Shriver each had one hit. Senior Marisa Everitt (3-4) gave up nine hits, 10 runs, five earned, walked four and struck out one in 4.2 innings.

For North Dakota State, Katie Tamayo was 3-for-4, had two doubles, scored two runs and drove in two runs while Brea Konz was 2-for-3 and scored twice. Whitney Johnson (10-8) gave up two hits, two runs, walked three and struck out four in five innings.

In the nightcap, NDSU touched the Golden Grizzlies for four runs in the first inning.

Oakland got things started in the third as Polidori, Krych and Galloway all lead off with singles. Following a strikeout, freshman Megan McQueen drew a walk to push Polidori across the plate. Everitt ripped a double to left center to score Krych and Galloway.

McQueen ended up at third. Freshman Shelby Gott ripped the ball past the third baseman for a single to score McQueen. That tied the game at 4-4. The Bison would score in the bottom of the third to take the lead back at 5-4.

In the fourth inning, Polidori singled and moved to second on a wild pitch. A ground out moved Polidori to third. She would score on a sacrifice bunt by Galloway. That made it 5-5.

NDSU would score seven runs over the next three innings to seal the game.

For Oakland, Polidori was 3-for-4 and scored two runs while Everitt was 2-for-3 and drove in two runs. Junior Brittany Doyle (3-7) gave up 12 hits, 12 runs, seven earned, walked three and struck out two in six innings.

For North Dakota State, Jenina Ortega was 3-for-3 while Nicole Rivera, Elisa Victa and Kristina Victa had two hits apiece. Tamayo (2-5) gave up one hit and one run in four innings for the win.

Oakland closes the series with North Dakota State on Saturday, April 9. The game, which is scheduled to start at noon, will be available via live stats at http://www.gobison.com/liveStats/liveStats.dbml?&DB_OEM_ID=2400&KEY

-OAKLAND-