Softball Drops Championship Game to #2 California
3/7/2005 12:00:00 AM | Softball
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Fatigue may have finally set in on the seventh ranked Alabama softball team (24-4) as they dropped a 7-0 decision to the second ranked California Bears (18-1) in the championship game of the Pepsi Malihini Kipa Aloha Tournament.
The Bears wasted no time jumping out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning and they continued to pile it on scoring runs in each of the first five innings for a 7-0 lead.
The Alabama offense was non-existent until Jackie Wilkins (SR, Miami, Fla.) drew a lead-off walk in the fourth inning, but the Tide was unable to advance her. Bama mounted a small rally in the fifth inning beginning with a lead-off single by Dominique Accetturo (JR, Pembroke Pines, Fla.). Leah White (SR, Grayson, Ga.) drew a two-out walk and the Tide had runners on first and second but Jordan Praytor (FR, Vancouver, Wash.) grounded out to first base ending the rally.
Jennifer Wright (SR, Brentwood, Tenn.) took her first loss of the season running her record to 8-1. She allowed five runs on seven hits through 2 1/3 innings of work. Chrissy Owens (FR, Miami, Fla.) came on in relief of Wright and threw the final 3 2/3 innings allowing two runs, neither earned, on three hits while striking out five batters.
For their efforts during the tournament, Accetturo, Ashley Courtney, Staci Ramsey and Capper Reed were all named to the all-tournament team.
Reed finished the tournament with a .389 average, three home runs, six RBI and four runs scored. Courtney posted a .381 average with a home run, two RBI, three runs scored and two stolen bases. Accetturo hit .368 with two home runs, four RBI, three runs scored and four walks while Ramsey finished with a .250 average, a home run, two RBI and five walks.
White led the Tide on the weekend with a .500 average (7-14) which included a double, triple, four runs scored, three RBI, two walks and two stolen bases. However, she wasn't selected to the all-tournament team.
Alabama will return home Monday evening and will take the week off from competition before heading to Knoxville, Tennessee next weekend to open SEC play against the Tennessee Lady Vols.
