Taylor Softball Splits Home Opener

March 13, 2009

Taylor softball returned to Upland for their first home games Friday, playing against Cedarville University. The doubleheader in the chilly weather yielded yet another split for the TU softball squad.  The Lady Trojans stormed out of the gate in game one, winning by a score of 5-0. The latter game was an exciting battle, but Taylor's comeback bid fell short as they lost 4-6.

In the opener Taylor's defense was rock solid. The defense made no errors behind junior Jessica Fankhauser. Freshman Laura Strode made the play of the day with a diving catch in the sixth inning to put an exclamation point on game one. Fankhauser delivered a complete game shutout with six strikeouts, allowing only three hits in seven innings.

On the offensive side of the plate, two seniors led the charge. Leadoff batter Laurie Shumaker recorded two hits and one run on the day, while Lindsey Arnold energized the crowd with a solo shot in the second for the first run of the game. The Lady Trojans recorded nine hits in game one. Strode also drove in two runs with a single during Taylor's three run fourth inning.

Cedarville tried to rally in the top of the seventh, but were denied, and the Yellow Jackets succumbed by the final score of 5-0.

In the second game of the doubleheader it was the Yellow Jackets jumping out to the quick lead. Senior pitcher Jill Tomaszewski started for the Lady Trojans, but fell behind as Cedarville put up three runs in the first and two in the second inning.

Playing from behind, Taylor continued to battle back with Arnold again leading the charge. The senior was everywhere as she went 3-for-3 at the plate, as well as recording multiple put outs at the plate. Taylor scored two in the second inning to draw within 5-2. 

Tomaszewski settled down and started to cut down the Cedarville batters, finishing with 7 strikeouts. A few untimely errors allowed for a Yellow Jacket run to score as well as few plays at the plate with Arnold snuffing the opportunities.

Taylor plated two more runs in the fifth as two extra base hits led to runs and a 6-4 game. TU threatened in the seventh but failed to draw even with Cedarville. As well as Arnold's big game, Senior Lindsey Stone was 1-for-4 with a run and sophomore Emily Kramer added a run as well.  Taylor finished with seven hits on the game. Five errors by TU assisted the Yellow Jackets offense who finished with eight hits, led by Stephanie Griffith's two hits.

 Leaving the home opener with a 3-3 record on the season, TU gets back on the diamond quickly as they travel to IU-Southeast on Saturday. Game 1 of the doubleheader starts at 1 p.m. against the 4-10 Grenadiers.