April 30, 2004
OXFORD, Ohio - Junior Jackie Poggendorf (Phoenix, Ariz./Shadow Mountain) fired a four-hit shutout, and junior Chelsie McWhorter (Lindon, Utah/Mountainview) had a two-hit single in the fifth inning to lead Miami University's softball team to a 3-0 victory over Kent State, Friday afternoon at Miami Softball Field. With the win, the RedHawks (20-22-1, 12-7 MAC) move within 1.5 games of the first-place Golden Flashes (23-16, 12-4 MAC) in the MAC East Division standings.
"This week in practice we were able to work some kinks out," said head coach Angie Jacobs of the win after being swept at Ohio last weekend. "All year it has been a matter of keeping our focus, and today we were able to do that."
The game began as a pitchers duel, with Poggendorf (11-6) and KSU starter Katie Leary (9-7) combining to scatter just four hits heading into the bottom of the fifth inning.
Miami had just one of those hits when it broke the scoreless tie in the fifth. Junior Sarah Buffie (Indianapolis, Ind./Perry Meridian) drew a one-out walk and sophomore Kristen Hays (Phoenix, Ariz./Shadow Mountain) followed with a single to give the RedHawks runners at the corners. After Hays stole second, McWhorter singled through the right side to put the Red and White up, 2-0.
Poggendorf made it 3-0 with a two out single in the sixth. Sophomore Bianca Paz (Mesilla, N.M./Las Cruces) led off the inning with a single, stole second and moved to third on a wild pitch. Three batters later, Poggendorf singled to left field, scoring Paz. In the circle, she struck out six in the complete-game victory. The Red and White Southpaw allowed just one KSU runner to reach third base and did not allow a walk for her fourth straight start.
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Kent State had its best chance to score in the fourth inning, putting runners on second and third with two outs. The RedHawks committed a two-out error and Rachel Testa followed with a single and stole second. Poggendorf got Megan Verde to ground out to shortstop to end the inning, and the threat.
"(Kent State) is the toughest MAC team we have played this season," said Jacobs. "They are, and have always been, an excellent team. Our rivalry stems from us playing at the end of the season, when wins and losses matter more."
The Red and White has now won six straight against Kent State, dating back to the 2001 season. MU also moved into a tie for second place with Ohio (17-23, 11-6 MAC), 1.5 games behind the first-place Flashes.
"I think we now control our own destiny," said Jacobs. " We know what we have to do, and that is win each of our remaining games and make it to the MAC Tournament."
The RedHawks and Golden Flashes complete this series with a doubleheader, Saturday, May 1. Game one is set for a 1 p.m. start. Following the twinbill is a home run derby to raise funds for Miami Softball. Fans are encouraged to stick around and cheer on players and coaches, and can make donations based on home runs hits or a fixed amount.
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