May 3, 2009

BOX SCORE

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Longwood University dropped a 3-1 softball decision to #1 University of Florida on Sunday afternoon in Gainesville, Florida. Longwood ended the season 23-23 while Florida improved to 52-3. Brittany Matthews/Farmville (Prince Edward) went 1-for-2 and scored a run in the loss.

Florida threatened to score in the bottom of the second inning. The Gators loaded the bases with one out but Briana Wells/Romoland, Calif. (Paloma Valley) got the next batter to pop-up for the second out and a groundout for the final out of the inning. Longwood started the third inning with a Matthews single to center field. Matthews would come around to score when Maggie Margadonna/Sea Girt, N.J. (Wall Township) laid down a sacrifice bunt that the pitcher misplayed, resulting in a three-base error, giving the Lancers the 1-0 lead after 2 1/2 innings. Florida went ahead in the bottom of the third inning, scoring two runs on a pair of hits. The Gators added to their lead in the bottom of the sixth inning when Kelsey Bruder hit a two-out home run down the right field line, putting Florida ahead 3-1. Longwood would threaten in the seventh inning. Wells was hit by a pitch and then replaced on the basepaths by Brittany Spencer/Virginia Beach (First Colonial). Spencer advanced to second after an error on the short stop with Matthews safe at first after the fielder's choice. Margadonna struck out and Nichole Simmons/Chesapeake (Hickory) grounded out to end the threat.

Wells gave up three runs on 11 hits while striking out four. Senior catcher Emily Radford/Tacoma, Wash. (Fife) went 1-for-3 in her final game in a Longwood uniform.

Florida was led by Corrie Brooks who went 3-for-4 with one RBI. Bruder went 1-for-2 with a home run and Kristina Hilberth went 3-for-4 with one RBI.