March 28, 2009
Game 1 Box Score
Game 2 Box Score
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
Kerry Hickey already had done just about everything for the University of Maryland softball team Saturday, so perhaps it was only fitting the Terrapins sophomore earned the final out of the team's first Atlantic Coast Conference victory.
With Maryland clinging to one-run lead over NC State with two outs and runners on second and third during the seventh inning of Saturday's second game, Hickey relieved fellow pitcher Sarah Dooley and pumped a 1-2 pitch past Wolfpack junior Kristine Bechtholdt to secure the 4-3 victory. The win enabled the Terps to split a highly-contested doubleheader Saturday afternoon in Robert E. Taylor Stadium after NC State prevailed, 1-0, during the first game.
In addition to saving Saturday's nightcap, Hickey, a two-way player from Huntingtown, Md., found several other ways to contribute during the rainy afternoon. Offensively, she collected four hits with a double and a run, including a 3-for-3 performance in the first game. Defensively, she added a game-high five assists from the mound. Despite taking the loss in the pitchers' duel that was the first game, Hickey (7-4) started and pitched 6.1 innings of one-run ball.
"Kerry has been a leader for our team all season, and today really illustrated what a talented and versatile player she has become," head coach Laura Watten said. "I'm proud of our team for battling today and refusing to give up the lead in the second game."
Dooley (7-6) put the Terps in a position to win Saturday's second contest with a strong appearance of her own. Taking the mound during the second inning in relief of starter Kendra Knight, Dooley went 5.1 strong innings, allowing just two earned runs on three hits. She tied Hickey for the team lead in wins.
Maryland (15-16, 1-4 ACC) rallied from a one-run deficit to claim a 2-1 lead during the second inning. After freshman Michelle Takeda led off the inning with a walk, sophomore Jennifer Anderson singled and senior Devon Williams drew a walk to load the bases. The Terps notched their first run when junior Alex Schultz reached on an error by the left fielder and added a second on freshman Kathy McLaughlin's RBI single.
The Terps padded their lead with single runs in the third and fifth innings. Hickey started the third with a single, took second on a sacrifice bunt by senior Breanna Shaw and scored on Anderson's second hit of the game, a single to left field. The fifth inning saw Williams' RBI single to center field enable Shaw to cross home plate.
A two-run home run by NC State junior Allison Presnell in the top of the seventh inning set the stage for Hickey's save opportunity. Senior Mendy McKenzie (6-5) suffered the loss for the Wolfpack (16-12, 3-2 ACC).
During Saturday's first game, Hickey and Wolfpack junior Lindsay Campana engaged in a pitchers' duel, with both teams tallying just three hits and NC State sophomore Alyssa Allbritten accounting for the game's lone run with a solo homer in the fourth inning.
Maryland continued to play exceptional defense Saturday, despite the soggy conditions. Sophomore Niki Lau made a diving catch in left field to end the fourth inning during the first game. Shaw ranged to her right to snare a line drive near second base during the third inning of game two.
The Terrapins and Wolfpack conclude their three-game ACC series Sunday at 1 p.m. in Taylor Stadium. The game is free to the public and parking will be available in Lots 9B and 4B.
Game 1
NC State 000 100 0 - 1 3 1
Maryland 000 000 0 - 0 3 1
LOB - NC State 7; Maryland 6. 2B - Kristine Bechtholdt;
Kerry Hickey. HR - Alyssa Allbritten. HBP - Claudia Cooper. SB -
Vangie Galindo. W - Lindsay Campana (8-5). L -
Kerry Hickey (7-4).
Game 2
NC State 100 100 2 - 3 4 3
Maryland 021 010 X - 4 7 0
LOB - NC State 9; Maryland 9. 2B - Alyssa Allbritten, 2. HR - Allison Presnell. SH - Eliza Jacobellis;
Breanna Shaw;
Michelle Takeda. SB -
Nadine Blackie;
Devon Williams. W -
Sarah Dooley (7-6). L - Mendy McKenzie (6-5). S -
Kerry Hickey (2).
