Princeton University Athletics
Princeton University
Lehigh (NCAA Regional 3)
Princeton Wins Its First Regional Softball Game Since 1996
May 21, 2005 | Softball
May 21, 2005
Box Score
TUCSON, Ariz.-- Game four of the NCAA Regional between the Princeton softball team and Lehigh was a pitchers duel. However, in the sixth inning the Tigers came back from down a run to take a 3-1 lead and won their first regional game since 1996, eliminating the Mountain Hawks. The Tigers last win in the regionals was during the 1996 season, where Princeton advanced to the World Series. Princeton scored three runs of four hits in the sixth to take the lead and the eventual win. Junior Erin Snyder hit a bouncing single to left field to lead off. Sophomore Stephanie Steel then hit a two-out base-hit to right. Snyder rounded third in an attempt to go home but quickly turned back sliding into third base in time. Senior Ty Ries the hit a two-run single up the middle. Ries' hit would have only allowed Snyder to score, but head coach Maureen Barron sent Steel home, as well for the winning run. Sophomore Tiffany Andras tallied the final RBI with a base hit to right, driving Ries in from second. Princeton had the opportunity to take the lead in the top of the fourth, as it loaded the bases but came up short leaving all three on. Snyder led with a single and was the first runner to reach scoring position after a sacrifice bunt by junior Amanda Erickson. Emily Ling of Lehigh then walked Steel and Ries. A third pop out ended the inning for the Tigers.
The Hawks tried to rally in the seventh to keep their season alive. Pinch-hitter Megan Conrad beat out a bunt single and with one out Ketherine Wegert also reached on an infield single. Kate Marvel, then, moved both runners up with a try at reaching on a bunt single. Snyder got the last batter to pop out to end the game. Ling (20-7) of Lehigh pitched seven innings allowing three runs of seven hits. Snyder (17-5) allowed just one run off eight hits. Lehigh closed its season with a school-record 41 victories and only 10 losses. Princeton moves onto the semi-final round of Region 3 to face Oklahoma State, later tonight. The winner will advance to the Championship game against top-seeded Arizona at noon, tomorrow.