April 23, 2009

Game 1 Box Score | Game 2 Box Score

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Pitcher Sarah Dooley helped her team's cause and another good cause as the University of Maryland softball team earned a split with Penn State during a nonconference doubleheader Thursday in Robert E. Taylor Stadium.

Dooley, a senior right-hander, tossed a five-hit shutout to propel the Terrapins to a 2-0 victory over the Nittany Lions during Thursday's nightcap. Penn State prevailed, 3-2, in the first game, despite Kerry Hickey's fourth complete game in her last five starts in the circle.

Sophomore Niki Lau was a perfect 3-for-3 with two sacrifice hits and a walk during Thursday's action. Junior Nadine Blackie added three hits and a pair of RBIs for Maryland (23-22, 7-8 Atlantic Coast Conference), which beat a Big Ten Conference opponent for the first time since upending Michigan in the 2008 season opener.

Making her 17th start of the season, Dooley induced 11 ground ball outs and did not allow a Nittany Lion baserunner past first base following the second inning. By blanking Penn State (17-21, 5-7 Big Ten), Dooley earned her ninth career shutout, tying former pitchers Meredith Nelles and Crystal Crews for sixth all-time at Maryland.

In addition to securing her 12th victory, Dooley (12-8) helped raise money for cancer research with her performance during Thursday's second game, which served as Maryland's Strike Out Cancer fundraiser. Participants were asked to pledge donations to the American Cancer Society on a per-strikeout basis, and Dooley fanned a series-high five opposing batters.

The Terps broke a scoreless tie during the fifth inning of Thursday's nightcap by capitalizing on a pair of errors committed by Penn State. Senior Devon Williams and freshman Kathy McLaughlin both reached base via errors, and freshman Vangie Galindo connected on a 3-2 pitch to drive in Williams with a single up the middle.

Maryland tacked on an insurance run during the ensuing inning thanks to a spectacular play by junior Alex Schultz, who led off with a bunt single. Sophomore Jennifer Anderson followed by drilling a double to left center, and Schultz rounded third base attempting to score on the play. Although the relay throw beat her to the plate, Schultz leapt over Penn State catcher Danee Collett to avoid the tag, completing a summersault and touching home plate with her left hand.

During Thursday's first contest, Hickey (10-8) went the distance on the mound, allowing three earned runs on six hits with three strikeouts. The sophomore from Huntingtown, Md., also extended her hit streak to five games when she collected her seventh double of the season during the seventh inning.

After Penn State took a 3-0 lead in its half of the sixth inning, the Terps went to work in their ensuing at bat. Lau lined a one-out single to left center, and Galindo tallied a base hit of her own two batters later. With two on and two out, Blackie launched a double to left field to score two and pull Maryland to within 3-2. The Terps, however, were unable to add to their run total.

Sophomore Jackie Hill (12-7) scattered nine hits over seven innings to claim victory for Penn State during the first contest, and freshman Lisa Akamine (5-11) took the loss in game two. Junior Ashley Griffith went 4-for-4 at the plate for the Nittany Lions during the second half of the twin bill.

As has been the case in many of Maryland's games this season, the Terps turned in several outstanding plays in the field during Thursday's action. Lau flashed her leather early during the first game, contributing a sliding catch in center field to end the top of the second inning.

With the bases loaded and two outs during the first inning of Thursday's second game, Schultz dove forward to snag a weak pop-up at second base, ending the Nittany Lions' scoring threat. Freshman Michelle Takeda added an acrobatic catch near the wall in right field during the fifth inning, robbing Penn State senior Sam Hovenac of extra bases.

Maryland returns to action this weekend with a three-game ACC series versus Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va. The Terrapins and Hokies will play a doubleheader Saturday starting at noon. They will play the series finale at 1 p.m. Sunday in a game that will be streamed live over the Internet by ACC Select.

Game 1

Penn State  000 003 0 - 3  6  1
Maryland    000 002 0 - 2  9  1

DP - Maryland 1. LOB - Penn State 3; Maryland 12. 2B - Danielle Kinley; Danee Collett; Nadine Blackie; Kerry Hickey. SH - Kerry Hickey; Alex Schultz; Devon Williams; Niki Lau. SB - Ashley Griffith. W - Jackie Hill (12-7). L - Kerry Hickey (10-8).

Game 2

Penn State  000 000 0 - 0  5  3
Maryland    000 011 X - 2  6  0

LOB - Penn State 9; Maryland 8. 2B - Jennifer Anderson. SH - Devon Williams; Niki Lau. SB - Kathy McLaughlin; Vangie Galindo. W - Sarah Dooley (12-8). L - Lisa Akamine (5-11).