Feb. 18, 2001

Box Score

TAMPA, Fla. - Junior first baseman Kiesha Pickeral (Hughesville, Md.) went 3-for-4 (.750) and became the first Terrapin to go yard in 2001 on Sunday, but it was not enough as the Maryland softball team (2-3) fell, 4-2, to South Florida on the final day of the USF-Holiday Inn Tournament. The Terrapins collected a season high nine base hits against the host Bulls' three but were not able to capitalize on some late game opportunities.

After a scoreless first three innings, Pickeral came to the plate to lead off the Terrapin fourth. The junior slugger gave the Terrapins a 1-0 advantage, scrambling South Florida freshman pitcher Cindy Turek's offering well over the left-centerfield fence.

The next inning belonged to the Bulls. Designated player Priscilla Smith was hit by a pitch to lead off the fifth, and a walk to Rachel Williams and a single by Rena Rodriguez loaded the bases for shortstop Renee Oursler. Oursler and pinch hitter Tina Biersak took full count bases on balls, crossing two Bull runs. After a foul out collected by Maryland catcher Beth Radford (Dunkirk, Md.), USF third baseman Ginny Georgantas was hit by a pitch to give South Florida their third run. The Bulls took a 4-1 lead on a Maryland error.

With a three-run deficit, Pickeral and second baseman Jen Peel (St. Leonard, Md.) led off the sixth with back-to-back singles. A fielder's choice by freshman Monica Cyphert (Warren, Ohio) and a single to left by sophomore Jillian Callaway (Brandywine, Md.) loaded the bases for the Terps, and Peel scored as the runners advanced on a wild pitch. The Terrapins would also put two runners on in the seventh, but the South Florida defense held on for the win.

Maryland senior Jenn Shellhammer (Slatington, Pa.) went the distance for the Terrapins, striking out three in her first loss of the season.

Maryland now has a week of practice and preparation before resuming softball action at the Florida Atlantic Invitational in Boca Raton, Fla. The Terps face Illinois and Florida A&M on Friday, Feb. 23, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. respectively.

Contact: Mark Fratto
301-314-7064 (phone)
301-314-9094 (fax)
301-314-TERP (Fan Phone)
fratto@wam.umd.edu