Tide Claims Series Victory Over 13th Ranked Florida
3/30/2005 12:00:00 AM | Softball
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The 11th ranked Alabama softball team (38-8, 11-4) closed out its week long road trip with a 3-2 victory over the 13th ranked Florida Gators (28-8, 7-2) to claim the series victory over the Gators.
The Crimson Tide finished the road trip 5-1 against two ranked teams going 3-0 against then 19th ranked LSU and 2-1 against the Gators.
"Five out of six against two ranked teams on the road, we'll take that," said Alabama head coach Patrick Murphy.
After both teams remained scoreless through the first three and a half innings for the first time in the series the Gators finally got on the board in the bottom of the fourth inning plating two-runs for a 2-0 lead.
The Crimson Tide wasted no time knotting the game at 2-2 courtesy of a two-run home run from Dominique Accetturo (JR, Pembroke Pines, Fla.) in the top of the fifth. Stephanie VanBrakle (JR, Chambersburg, Pa.) led off with a single up the middle and was pinch run for by Deasy Phillips (SR, Katy, Texas). Accetturo then made sure that Phillips' speed wasn't necessary as she delivered her second home run of the series and her ninth of the season.
"There was a runner at first and no outs and I thought 'I'll just let her swing. I'm tired of seeing people get thrown out at second on bunts,'" said Murphy.
Alabama claimed the lead in the top of the fifth inning beginning with a Leah White (SR, Grayson, Ga.) infield single. Jackie Wilkins (SR, Miami, Fla.) singled advancing White to second. Ashley Courtney (SR, Vero Beach, Fla.) hit into a fielder's choice with Wilkins being forced at second and White advancing to third. A wild pitch by Gator pitcher Mandy Schuerman scored White giving Alabama a 3-2 lead.
VanBrakle picked up the win pushing her record to 18-4 on the season tying her career high for wins in a season with 18. VanBrakle threw all seven innings allowing two runs on four hits while striking out 11 batters. Florida starter Stacey Stevens took the loss dropping her record to 15-6.
"It was a really solid job by Steph this week," said Murphy. "I thought she did a really good job in both games she pitched. She was in control the whole time. She is really coming of age as a pitcher."
VanBrakle was just as solid on the offensive side of the ball going 2-4. Accetturo also went 2-4 on the day hitting a home run while driving in two runs and scoring one as well. White posted a 2-3 day, also scoring a run.
The Crimson Tide will return to action on Saturday for a three-game set with SEC rival Ole Miss. The series begins with a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at 5:00.
