April 14, 2012

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The Maryland softball team surpassed Virginia in two games Saturday afternoon at Robert E. Taylor Stadium. The Terrapins won 3-1 in the first game, then battled from behind to win 6-5 in the second.

Nikki Maier and Shannon Bustillos both tallied a home run in the first game to solidify Maryland's win.

After a loss in the first game, the Cavaliers (20-20, 5-9) gained momentum to earn five runs in the second inning, but the Terps (22-17, 2-6 ACC) earned the win by battling in the fourth and scoring five of their own.

The Terps first tallied a run in the third inning when Kathy McLauglin singled to right field to allow Amanda McCann to earn the Terps' first run.

Maryland's next five runs were earned in the fourth inning. First, Sara Acosta sprinted to home after a McLauglin single up the middle. Then, Vangie Galindo also singled up the middle to send Amanda McCann home.

Bree Hanafin drove in two runs when she singled to center field and advanced to second on the throw. Galindo completed the Terrapins' scoring in the second game when Bustillos' hit flied out to left field and Galindo ran home.

Both teams committed one error in the game, but Maryland had 11 hits compared to Virginia's seven.

While Kaitlyn Schmeiser started the game, Kendra Knight finished it with five strikeouts.

In game one, Maryland took the lead early when Bustillos' single to right field sent Lexi Carroll home.

The Terps scored again in the bottom of the fourth by hitting two homeruns to give Maryland the 3-0 lead. First, Nikki Maier homered to left field and then Bustillos did the same to left center.

The Cavaliers added one in the fifth after Giannini Cipolloni doubled to right center to send Kristen Hawkins home.

Knight pitched the complete game and allowed four hits with 13 strikeouts.

The Terps and Cavaliers will round out the series tomorrow at 1 p.m. Admission and parking are free.