SOFTBALL

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Ann Magur

BUFFALO, NY – The University at Buffalo softball team dropped both ends of a doubleheader to the visiting Akron Zips this afternoon, losing by a 3-2 score in game one and then getting shut out 4-0 in game two. Sophomore Ann Magur (Endicott, NY/Union-Endicott) led the Bulls' offense with six hits on the day, going 3-for-4 in each game. With the losses, the Bulls drop to 18-20 overall and 7-12 in the Mid-American Conference while Akron improves to 24-23-2 overall and 10-11-1 in the MAC.

An RBI-double by Kerry Omerza in the first inning got the Zips on the board early in game one, and they added two more runs in the fourth inning to go up 3-0. Buffalo got things going in the bottom of the fifth inning when Magur singled and then crossed the plate on a double by junior Marce Ross (Innisfil, Ontario/St. Peter's). Junior Allison Round (Markham, Ontario/Markham District) then tripled in the sixth inning and scored on a sacrifice fly by sophomore Julie Hibner (Salem, OR/South Salem) to cut the Zips' lead to 3-2, but Akron pitcher Tina McCauley came on in relief and retired the side in the bottom of the seventh to pick up her first save of the year. Starting pitcher Megan MacKenzie earned the win, allowing five hits and striking out four in six innings. Buffalo sophomore Stacey Evans (Collinsville, IL/Triad) suffered the loss, allowing six hits, two earned runs and striking out seven.

Following game one, the UB Softball Stadium was officially renamed Nan Harvey Field during a special dedication ceremony in recognition of a monetary bequest made by Nan Harvey, UB Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator. The Zips opened the scoring in the fourth inning on a solo home run to center by Omerza, and a two-out, two-run single to right by Becky Stern in the fifth gave the Zips a 3-0 lead. The Bulls threatened in the bottom of the inning when they loaded the bases, but McCauley got herself out of the jam with a strikeout to end the inning. The Zips then added a fourth run in the sixth inning on a triple by Kelly Quigley that scored pinch-runner Rachel Kraus. McCauley pitched the complete game, allowing seven hits and striking out four for her 12th win of the year. Buffalo senior Andrea Sage (Depew, NY/Depew) allowed nine hits, just one earned run and struck out two in the loss.

The Bulls and the Zips will complete their three-game series with a single game at 1 pm on Sunday, May 4 at Nan Harvey Field. Following the game, there will be a special ceremony to honor UB's team award winners and four seniors who will be completing their playing careers with the Bulls.