The Justice

Media Credit: David Sheppard-Brick Pitcher Kate Streilein '08 makes a leaping catch in the in the first round of the Eastern College Athletic Conference Tournament May 7.

Entering the final inning down 5-3 in the championship round of the Eastern College Athletic Conference Tournament against second-seeded Keene State College May 11, the softball team knew if they won, they would claim the program's first-ever ECAC title. If they lost, however, they would have to play their third game of the day to determine a tournament winner.

"We wanted to go home, we wanted that to be it," pitcher Kate Streilein '08 said.

Three hits and one error later, the Judges completed a 6-5 comeback victory over the visiting Owls when shortstop Chelsea Korp '10 knocked in the tying and go-ahead runs with a bases-loaded single down the third-base line.

"I was struggling all day. I knew my team wanted me to come through, and for once today I just went up there with a clear mind and just went after the ball," said Korp, who had faltered in a bases-loaded situation with two outs in the third inning when she hit into a fielder's choice.

The Judges finished the season with a 38-9-1 record, marking the most wins in Brandeis Athletics history. The squad won three games earlier in the tournament before its final victory against Keene State.

Streilein was named tournament Most Valuable Player after winning all four postseason games and going seven for 13-a .538 average-at the plate.

Down 1-0, the top-seeded Judges answered in the bottom of the inning with two runs off senior pitcher Jessica Starkey. Second baseman Melisa Cagar '11 led off with a home run to left center field to tie the game at one. A sacrifice bunt by pitcher Natalie Volpe '08 later in the inning scored right fielder Erin Thorn '11 to give Brandeis a 2-1 lead.

Keene State regained the advantage in the third inning on a two-run homer by junior designated hitter Katie Allenson, but Volpe escaped a bases-loaded jam by striking out senior first baseman Kaity Conklin to end the inning. In the bottom of the frame, Volpe tied the score at three on a sacrifice fly against first-year pitcher Jessie Williams.

Continued...

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