April 19, 2009

Box Score

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Pitchers Kerry Hickey and Sarah Dooley both turned in stellar performances, but the University of Maryland softball team fell to Boston College, 2-1, during an 11-inning marathon Sunday afternoon in Robert E. Taylor Stadium to conclude their Atlantic Coast Conference series.

Hickey, a sophomore, and Dooley, a senior, combined for 10 scoreless innings before a two-run home run off the bat of Boston College junior Blair Destito during the top of the 11th provided the game's first runs. Hickey pitched the first five innings, scattering five hits while striking out five to lower her team-leading ERA to 2.14. Dooley took the mound to start the sixth inning and allowed just two earned runs in six innings of work.

Freshman Vangie Galindo collected three hits at the plate for the Terps, including her first career double. The outfielder from Fontana, Calif., batted .500 (5-for-10) with a pair of runs during the series.

Despite Sunday's loss, Maryland (22-21, 7-8 ACC) claimed its third conference series victory of the season after winning a pair of 4-3 decisions Saturday. The Terps remain tied with Virginia Tech for fourth place in the ACC standings.

Sunday's 11-inning contest marked Maryland's longest game since playing 14 innings versus Florida State on March 31, 2007. The loss snapped the Terps' seven-game win streak in extra innings contests dating back to the 14-inning affair with the Seminoles more than two years ago.

The Terps worked out of a jam during the first inning Sunday, when Hickey induced Destito to foul out to first baseman Nadine Blackie with the bases loaded. From there, Hickey and Dooley kept the Eagles at bay, as Boston College did not have a runner reach third base again until the 11th inning.

Maryland had its best scoring opportunity of regulation during the bottom of the seventh inning. Hickey led off with a single down the right field line to increase her hit streak to four games. One out later, freshman Michelle Takeda tallied a base hit and sophomore Jennifer Anderson drew a walk to load the bases before the rally stalled.

Dooley and Boston College batter Dani Weir engaged in a prolonged battle during the eighth inning with a runner on second base. However, the Terps' veteran right-hander ultimately proved victorious, striking out Weir on the 15th pitch of the at-bat.

Trailing 2-0 heading into its half of the 11th inning, Maryland collected its lone run of the game. Galindo led off with a double to left center and Blackie drew a walk before senior Breanna Shaw executed a sacrifice bunt to advance the runners. Hickey followed with a sacrifice fly to score Galindo, but Boston College managed to record the game's final out at third base on the play.

Junior Taylor Peyton (9-11) earned the victory for Boston College (16-26, 2-10 ACC) after pitching 11 innings of one-run ball. Dooley (11-8), who pitched her way to a victory Saturday, took Sunday's loss.

The Terrapins return to action Wednesday by playing host to a doubleheader with Penn State in Taylor Stadium. Wednesday's first pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m.

Boston College (16-26, 2-10 ACC) 000 000 000 02 - 2  9  0
Maryland (22-21, 7-8 ACC)        000 000 000 01 - 1  8  0

LOB - Boston College 8; Maryland 7. 2B - Brittany Wilkins; Vangie Galindo. HR - Blair Destito. HBP - Carolyn Jones. SH - Brittany Wilkins; Breanna Shaw; Alex Schultz; Michelle Takeda. SF - Kerry Hickey. SB - Vangie Galindo. CS - Vangie Galindo. W - Taylor Peyton (9-11). L - Sarah Dooley (11-8).