April 21, 2012
Box Score
USD vs. LMU game 1 box score 
USD vs. LMU game 2 box score
SAN DIEGO, Calif. - The University of San Diego softball team came out on the losing end of both games in their Pacific Coast Softball Conference doubleheader against Loyola Marymount on Saturday afternoon from the USD Softball Complex. The Toreros were shutout 4-0 in game one before being edged 4-3 in eight innings in game two.
Leading the Torero offense on the day was left fielder Morgan Kurtz, who went 3-for-3 in game one, and catcher Taylor Hensley, who went 2-for-3 in game two with an RBI double.
In game one, the Toreros (23-16, 10-4 PCSC) scattered seven hits but were unable to capitalize on their opportunities, stranding eight runners. USD had the bases loaded in the bottom of the first before LMU starter Dana Waldusky (14-8) retired the next three Torero hitters in succession to end the threat. The Toreros left runners on base in five of the seven innings overall.
Meanwhile, the Lions (31-16, 9-5 PCSC) put up two runs in the top half of the first inning to take an early lead on Brittany Pereda's two-run single up the middle.
LMU would strike again in the top of the fourth with an RBI double from Sterling Shuster that put the Lions up 3-0. Sam Fischer would cap off the LMU scoring with a solo home run to center field in the top of the seventh.
Jenny Lahitte (11-8) threw 7.0 innings in the loss, allowing four earned runs on seven hits while striking five and tying a career-high with six walks. Waldusky earned the win with her 7.0 innings of work where she allowed seven hits, while striking out six and walking one.
In game two, Fischer put the Lions up 3-0 in the top of the third with a three-run home run to left center off Cassidy Coleman (10-5).
USD chipped away with a run in the bottom of the third when Taylor Hensley ripped a double to center field that brought home Jessica Tieszen. The Toreros then took advantage of a two-out dropped popup in the infield in the bottom of the fifth that allowed a run to score on the play and paved the way for an RBI double by Katie Emerson that tied the game at 3-3.
In the bottom of the seventh, the Toreros threatened to break the tie when they got runners on first and third with one out but were unable to drive in the winning run, sending the game into extra innings.
Two batters after an intentional leadoff walk to Fischer in the top of the eighth, Kelly Sarginson dropped a single into right center field that plated Fischer and gave LMU the 4-3 lead that they would ultimately hold on to.
Coleman threw 8.0 innings and gave up three earned runs on four hits to go along with eight strikeouts and four walks. Waldusky picked up her second win of the day, this time in relief, after throwing 2.2 innings scoreless innings where she allowed two hits and struck out three.
LMU moved to within 1.5 games of USD in the PCSC Coastal Division standings with the two wins. Prior to Saturday's games, USD was in first place in the Coastal Division, while LMU was in third behind Saint Mary's.
The Toreros and Lions conclude the four-game series on Sunday with a 12/2 pm doubleheader from the USD Softball Complex.
