ECU Softball Captures Classic Title
February 24, 2003 | Softball
The 2003 Pirate Classic all-tournament team was Kristina Schmallen from Campbell University, Sarai Lavandero from the University of Delaware, Megan Miller from Fairfield University, Rebecca Murphy from Canisius College, Sam Schaukowitch from Towson University, Courtney Fitzgerald from St. John's University, Brently Bridgeforth and Kate Manuse from East Carolina, and Michelle Schlichtig of Fordham.
In the Lady Pirates' game against Fairfield, the Stags took a one run lead in the first inning, when Molly Harris came across the plate on a fielder's choice by Laura Sandanato. Fairfield ended the inning with two runners left on base. The Lady Pirates as well scored their first run in the first. With the bases loaded, Krista Jessup hit a single to center field to drive in Christine Sheridan to tie things up at one.
The game would stay tied at one until the fifth inning when with runners on second and third, Sandanato hit a fielder's choice to the pitcher, sending in the Stag's second run fro the 2-1 lead. It was three up and three down as the Pirates came to bat in the fifth, and East Carolina would have to wait another half inning for a chance to score. In the bottom of the sixth, Jessup doubled to left field, after which Mandi Nichols singled to left to bring Jessup safely home. The next batter walked, which brought Lara Brickhouse up to the plate. Brickhouse singled to left, sending in Nichols. With the bases loaded, Fairfield pitcher Mellissa Santos walked Sheridan, and handed ECU its fourth run of the game. That would be all East Carolina needed to secure the win, as they held Fairfield in the seventh, to come away a perfect 5-0 in the tournament. The Lady Pirates improved to 7-2 on the season with the win.
Brently Bridgeforth was credited with the win for the Pirates, her fourth of the season. Smith, Jessup, and Brickhouse each went 2-for-3 in the game. Nichols, Smith and Brickhouse each had one RBI.
The Lady Pirates will next play at UNC Wilmington on Wednesday, February 26. The series will be a doubleheader. The time for the first game has not yet been determined. After the trip to Wilmington, the women will open up conference play against South Florida. The Lady Pirates will play a double header against the Bulls on Saturday, March 1, and then a single game on Sunday, March 2.
