Feb. 6, 2009
Box Score
BOCA RATON, Fla. -
Despite out-hitting Florida Atlantic by five, the University of Maryland softball team fell to the tournament host Owls, 3-2, Friday night during the team's second game competing in the Florida Atlantic Kick-Off Classic.
The Terrapins pounded out nine hits - their most in eight games dating back to last season - but could not overcome some timely hitting by the Owls during their matchup in FAU Softball Stadium.
Sophomore Kerry Hickey continued to demonstrate her multi-dimensional ability, collecting three hits at the plate while also pitching two scoreless innings in relief for the Terps. Outfielder Nadine Blackie added a pair of hits and accounted for one of Maryland's three doubles along with Hickey and infielder Alex Schultz.
With Maryland trailing 2-0 in the fifth inning, Hickey jumpstarted the Terps' offense by knocking a double to deep center to score outfielder Niki Lau from second. Infielder Breanna Shaw followed with an RBI groundout that platted Schultz to tie the game.
Florida Atlantic managed just four hits but scored the go-ahead run on an RBI double by Caitlyn Bliss. Rose Gressley (1-0) picked up the victory for the Owls after pitching the final two-and-two-third innings.
Making her first career start, Kendra Knight (0-1) contributed a solid outing on the mound for the Terps in a losing effort, allowing just two earned runs in four innings of work while striking out five. Following her pitching performance in the season-opening game against Massachusetts, Hickey has now gone six innings in relief without allowing a run to start the season.
The Terps (0-2) resume play in the Florida Atlantic Kick-Off Classic Saturday with a pair of day games. Maryland faces Long Island at 11 a.m. followed by No. 5/8 Michigan at 1 p.m. Both opponents advanced to the NCAA regional tournament last season. Saturday's contests can be followed on Gametracker on fausports.com or by clicking the following link: 2009 FAU Kick-Off Classic
Maryland 000 020 0 - 2 9 1
FAU 001 110 X - 3 4 0
LOB - UMD 10; FAU 5. 2B -
Alex Schultz;
Kerry Hickey;
Nadine Blackie; Caitlyn Bliss. 3B - Amy Bukovich. SB - Ambar Jones; Blair Bodenmiller. CS -
Niki Lau; Becky Brandies. W - Rose Gressley (1-0). L -
Kendra Knight (0-1).
