Softball Terps Gear Up For Local Twinbill

March 31, 2003

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The Terps (9-11, 0-2 ACC) head into Wednesday's 5 p.m. contest against George Mason (14-10) with renewed confidence. The team hit an offensive groove in its 8-1 win against Hofstra. Overall, team batting average has risen from .203 to .212 in the past week and the team ERA has dropped from 2.70 to 2.11.

Despite picking up three losses last week to ACC teams, Maryland proved that it's a force to be reckoned with in conference play. The Terps lost a 1-0 heartbreaker in the ninth inning to 2002 ACC Tournament Champion Georgia Tech (26-13) at the Buzz Classic, then battled No. 17 Florida State for ten innings before losing 3-2.

Maryland is leading the all-time series against George Mason, 16-7. The Terps have won the last two contests against the Patriots 4-0 and 5-0. Before the Terps dropped an early season tilt against GMU last season, Maryland hadn't lost to the Patriots since 1997 (13-game win streak).

Admission and parking to this Wednesday's doubleheader are free. The first game begins at 5:00 p.m. The brand new Terrapin Softball Complex has a concession stand as well as picnic table seating. Come cheer on the Terps this week!

RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY

The Terps wounded the Hofstra Pride with an 8-1 victory at the Maryland Invitational Saturday. Maryland's assault was powered by double-threat Monica Cyphert (Warren, Ohio), who struck out seven batters in the complete game win and also smashed a two-run homer to left center in the bottom of the fifth.

In addition to Cyphert's 2-for-3 day at the plate, Samantha Sweeney (Marlton, N.J.), Jillian Callaway (Brandywine, Md.), Natalie Grossman (Skillman, N.J.), and Crystal Tweedy (Dumfries, Va.) had two hits apiece for the Terps.

The Maryland Invitational games scheduled for Sunday were cancelled due to rain. These cancellations add up to 18 games that have been washed out from the Terps' schedule this season due to inclement weather.

SCOUTING GEORGE MASON

Sophomore Stacy James is off to a fast start this season for the Patriots. James is batting .404 with 18 runs scored as a lead-off hitter and was named CAA Player of the Week for Mar. 24 after going 13-for-26 at the plate.

Head coach Beth Fulcher led George Mason to its first 40-win season last year and was named CAA Coach of the Year. Fulcher played collegiate ball at UMass and played under Terrapin head coach Gina LaMandre while she was an assistant for the Minutewomen.

The Patriots had a five-game win streak halted in a 6-1 loss to Princeton Saturday. During the streak, the Patriots took games from Stony Brook, UMBC, and UMES.

The George Mason staff is led by juniors Dianna Austin (5-2) and Miranda Fox (4-2). The duo has a combined 1.75 ERA.

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