SOFTBALL

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BUFFALO, NY - The University at Buffalo softball team got a little help from mother nature on Wednesday afternoon as it beat the conference-leading Central Michigan Chippewas 2-0 in six innings at Nan Harvey Field. The game was originally scheduled as a doubleheader, but rains and winds only allowed for one game to be played.

Ann Magur

The Bulls (13-23, 8-5 MAC) scored two runs in the bottom of the fifth after a 50-minute rain delay. Sophomore Mary Russell (Apalachin, NY/Owego Free Academy), who was battting when the delay was called, worked a walk. With two outs, freshman Marcy Hansen (Claremont, CA/Claremont) hit a sharp single to first, putting two on for senior Ann Magur (Endicott, NY/Union-Endicott/Connecticut). With a 3-2 count and the runners moving, Magur hit a blooper into right field, scoring the first run of the game. Freshman Lacy Schneider (Idyllwild, CA/Hemet) followed with another single to right field, scoring Hansen before Magur was thrown out at the plate to end the inning.

Laura Kor

The Chippewas (20-10, 10-2 MAC) had a chance to tie the game up in the sixth inning. After a one-out single, Jacque Benedict hit a sharp line drive to freshman Laura Kor (Beaverton, OR/Westview) at third base, who was able to double up the runner at first. The double play was one of many defensive gems in the field for Kor this afternoon.

Both teams had the opportunity to get on the scoreboard early, but good pitching and quality defensive plays got both sides out of some jams. Central Michigan led off the game with a single, two stolen bases and a hit batter, but with two outs in the inning and two on, senior catcher Julie Hibner (Salem, OR/South Salem) made a catch in foul grounds to keep the game scoreless. The Bulls also managed to get a runner to third base in the bottom of the first inning, but they couldn't get the runner across the plate.

Buffalo received a strong pitching performance from sophomore Sophie Barstad (Canby, OR/Canby) who only gave up three hits while striking out one and walking none for her seventh victory of the season. For the Chippewas, the loss was given to Jessica Garvin who gave up four hits and was credited with two earned runs.

The game was finally called in the bottom of the sixth inning after a second rain delay which lasted 25 minutes.

The Bulls will be back in action tomorrow as they head to Youngstown State for a non-conference doubleheader with the Penguins. First pitch is set for 4:00 pm. Buffalo is currently riding a three-game winning streak and has won seven of its last nine games.