USF vs. Va. Tech Box | 2008 Updated Season Statistics
TUCSON, Ariz. ? A three-run home run by Cat Olnick and a timely pitching performance by Courtney Mosch led the Bulls to a 6-1 victory over the No. 24-ranked Virginia Tech Hokies on the final day of the Hillenbrand Tournament in Tucson, Ariz.
“I'm proud of the way our team came together to get this win over one of the top teams in the country, Virginia Tech,” said assistant coach Amber Wright. “It was an outstanding team effort and Courtney Mosch was solid on the mound as she has been all year.”
The victory marked the second time the Bulls have defeated a ranked opponent on the 2008 season. They downed the then No. 4/5 Tennessee Volunteers earlier in the season. The Bulls are now 10-8 while Virginia Tech falls to 12-6.
The Bulls jumped out to an early lead against the Hokies when senior Mosch doubled to deep left center scoring junior Britta Giddens who singled to lead off the game.
With two on and one out, sophomore Cat Olnick sent a Heather Lowry change-up into the left field stands scoring senior Kit Dunbar and Mosch. The home run was Olnick's first on the season and second of her career.
USF lit-up Lowry for four runs in a third of an inning before being pulled in favor of Angela Tincher. Lowry came into the weekend with a 5-0 record and a 0.34 ERA.
On USF's side, Mosch was impressive in the circle against Virginia Tech going the distance, striking out nine and only allowing two hits. The win brings her record to 7-3 on the season.
Senior Kit Dunbar made a highlight-reel catch in the top of the sixth when, running full speed to her right, she laid-out, full extension, to rob Kelsey Hoffman of extra bases.
Wright added, “This tournament allowed us to revive our offense and hopefully get the Bulls going in the Under Armour Invitational next weekend.”
USF will return to the diamond on Thursday, March 6 when they take on the Maine Black Bears at noon and the St. Joe's Hawks at 2:30 p.m. on the first day of the USF Under Armour Invitational. Log on to www.GoUSFBulls.com for complete coverage of the Invitational.
