March 29, 2003

Box Score

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Much like the rain that drenched the Terrapin Softball Complex, Maryland (9-11) poured on the offense against Hofstra (16-11) in an 8-1 home-opening win at the Maryland Invitational. The host Terrapins started play in their second game against Columbia, but the game was postponed in the fourth inning due to severe rain and lightning.

Maryland began its assault in the bottom of the second. Following pitcher Monica Cyphert's (Warren, Ohio) single to short, Malissa Moczulski (Burlington, N.J.) reached on a fielder's choice. Jillian Callaway (Brandywine, Md.) followed with a single. With one out, catcher Casey Leiter (Lake Stevens, Wash.) reached on an error by Hofstra second baseman Jessica Luna. Following a pop-up to the infield, Crystal Tweedy (Dumfries, Va.) came through in the clutch with a two-out bases-loaded single through the left side that scored both Moczulski and Leiter. Not to be outdone, Samantha Sweeney (Marlton, N.J.) doubled to left field to drive home Callaway and Tweedy and staked Maryland to a 4-0 lead.

The offense didn't stop after that inning. The Terps posted a 2-spot in the fifth thanks to a home run launched to center by Cyphert, and scored twice again in the sixth after Callaway, Natalie Grossman (Skillman, N.J.), Tweedy, and Lauren Pollock (Severna Park, Md.) strung together hits.

Cyphert (5-6) struck out seven in the complete game victory. Sara DeAngelis (5-6) took the loss for the Pride.

Weather permitting, Maryland will resume its game against Columbia Sunday at 9 a.m. The Terps are currently down 2-0 in the fourth inning. Columbia is at bat with a runner on first and one out. Maryland will also take on Delaware State at 12:30 p.m. and then advance into seeded play later in the afternoon.

RESULTS FROM DAY 1 AT MARYLAND INVITATIONAL:
Game 1: Hofstra 7, Delaware State 6
Game 2: Columbia 11, Delaware State 1 (5 innings)
Game 3: Maryland 8, Hofstra 1