Ormond Beach, Fla. (May 7, 2009) ? With a 3-0 win over Norfolk State and a 5-1 loss to Florida A&M , the Delaware State Softball Team (23-23) advanced to the second day of the double-elimination 2009 MEAC Tournament.
In the first round contest against the Spartans, DSU starting pitcher Brittney Ruark tossed a complete-game, giving her only the third 16-win season in DSU history. The Seaford, Del., native also struck out five batters in the contest giving her 326 for her career, passing Janice Savage (323) for first all-time.
The Hornet offense came alive in the fourth inning scoring two runs on four hits. Freshman Bre Parr and sophomore Allison Rubin both had clutch singles to drive in a run each to allow DSU to extend the lead to 3-0.
Ruark got the run support she needed to finish the game off and allow the Hornets to advance to the second round of the tournament.
Parr and Rubin both tallied two hits while senior Megan Lambertz tallied three hits to lead both teams.
DSU then drew Florida A&M, the overall No. 1 seed in the tournament, in round two.
Ruark got DSU through three innings unscathed but five runs in the next two innings to blow the lead wide open for FAMU.
Junior JoJo Shields drove singled in a run in the seventh inning but it wasn't enough as the Rattlers took the game and sent the Hornets into the losers bracket.
Ruark got the loss allowing five earned runs in 4.2 innings.
FAMU starting pitcher Amanda Reyes (First Team All-MEAC Selection) tossed the complete-game, striking out four DSU batters.
The Hornets will look to avenge the team's first tournament loss since 2007 when DSU takes on Hampton tomorrow, May 8, at 9 a.m. The Hornets took two-of-three from the Pirates in the regular season including a 5-0 win live on ESPU (Apr. 26).
