March 8, 2001

Box Score 1, Box Score 2

TAMPA, Fla. - The Maryland softball squad (9-7) scratched a five-year itch, defeating Illinois-Chicago for the first time in school history to even their record at 1-1 on the first day of the Speedline Invitational. The Terps downed the Flames, 1-0, after dropping a 1-0 decision to Central Michigan to begin pool play at an event billed as "one of the nation's premier softball tournaments."

Maryland junior Amanda Bettker (St. Petersburg, Fla.) was dominant against the Flames, allowing only one single in each of the first and second before throwing five innings of perfect softball. The right-handed fireballer struck out six and did not allow a UIC baserunner past second base for the duration of the contest.

The Terrapins threatened in the first, third and fourth innings, crossing the only run of the contest in the fifth. With two outs, senior Michelle Burrell (Owego, N.Y.) laced a single down the left field line, sliding into second after an errant throw from the Flames' left fielder. Burrell advanced to third on a pitch in the dirt and raced home when fellow upperclassman Annmarie Browne (Lansdale, Pa.) ripped an offering through the right side. The run was all the Terps would need as Bettker was well in command by that point.

The win marks the first victory Maryland has posted against Illinois-Chicago in five tries since 1996's Triangle Classic. It also marks the fourth consecutive contest in which the Terps and Flames have battled to one-run decisions.

Senior Jenn Shellhammer (Slatington, Pa.) put in a solid Game 1 performance, scattering five hits while striking out five. The lone run of the game was unearned and scored in the fourth. Chippewa catcher Michelle Brander reached on an error, was sacrificed to second and came around on a Jennifer Skuta double.

The Terrapins were unable to get the better of CMU's Amber Pulchalski until the sixth, when centerfielder Burrell led off with a ground-rule double down the left field line. Bloop singles by Browne and Jennifer Potzman (Trexlertown, Pa.) loaded the bases for the Terps with one out, but Maryland was unable to make it hurt as Pulchalski struck out the side.

The Terps continue pool play tomorrow on the second day of the Speedline Invitational. Maryland faces a tough Florida International squad at 10 a.m. before meeting Florida A&M for the third time this season at 2 p.m.

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