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Feb. 16, 2008

Tempe, Ariz. - The Temple softball team could not recover from an early 6-0 hole, as the Owls fell to Western Michigan 11-2 on Friday evening. The loss was the second of the day for the Owls at the Kajikawa Classic.

The Owls' (0-2) two runs both came in the fourth inning. Sophomore Krystle Metzler knocked in her first RBI of the season with a one out single that knocked home senior Natalie Wagner. Then with junior Courtney Norene at third and Metzler at second, freshmen Rebecca Hahn hit into a fielder's choice to knock in the second run. Senior Anna Rico, Wagner and Norene all hit safely for the Owls.

The Owls dug themselves into a deep hole in the first inning, allowing six runs in the first frame. Already down 2-0, the Broncos used the long ball to build the big lead. With a runner already at second, Western Michigan's Meghan Thomas hit her first-career home run to bring two more runs across the plate. That was followed by another two-run shot by Sam Vargocko to make the score 6-0 in the first inning. Vargocko finished the day 2-for-3 with two home runs and five RBIs.

Freshmnn Amanda Branco (0-1) took the loss for the Cherry and White, allowing six earned runs in two-thirds of an inning. Senior Brianna Diary and junior Katie Burdeaux both appeared in relief. Diary allowed three runs over four innings while Burdeax surrendered one run in one and a third innings.

Trying to remain positive in defeat, head coach Casey Dickson noted the outstanding play of the defense.

"It was a tough day, but I thought our defense played outstanding," said Dickson. The Owls did not commit an error in either of Friday's games.

The Owls will look to rebound on the second day of the Kajikawa Classic, as they face #25 Oregon State tomorrow at noon.