|
Volume CXXXI, Number 21 |
 |
Jumbos end Polar Bears' five-game winning streak
REBEKAH METZLER AND HILARY SMITH
STAFF WRITERS
The Bowdoin Softball Team burst onto the sunny competitive
scene in Florida during its Spring Break trip after a long pre-season
at Farley Field House. After facing many teams from around the country,
including NESCAC rival Amherst, the Bears posted a winning record of 8-5.
Despite an inspired effort by the team, Bowdoin did suffer a heartbreaking
loss at the hands of the Lord Jeff's in a 6-5 barn burner. All in all,
it was not a completely wasted trip as most of the Polar Bears returned
with healthy sock tans and bikini lines.
 |
| Erin Hanley '04 pitched the third no-hitter in Bowdoin history on Monday. (Henry Coppola, Bowdoin Orient) |
Upon its return, Bowdoin swept the in-state competition
of the University of New England, the University of Southern Maine, and
the University of Maine at Farmington. Against UNE, senior captain Gina
Laugelli posted her fourth win from the mound, while maintaining a high
level of concentration during the highly dramatic final innings of the
match, which ended with a score of 5-4.
USM met its match with the Bears, losing 4-2, thanks in
large part to a series of three singles by the slightly disabled, but
ever speedy Katie Sheridan, drag queen Michelle Jackson, and offensive
dynamo Liz Swedock which gave Bowdoin a 2-0 lead in the first. Erin Hanley
completed the entire game only allowing two runs on six hits.
The much anticipated first home run of the season for the
Polar Bears came at the paws of first base senior captain Kristie Miller
over the right field fence in the first inning against UMF. Many attribute
Miller's success to her off-season dedication in the weight room. Few
were surprised by her recently awarded All-American status granted by
the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Once again, she has
proved that it's always Miller Time.
The two-run blast started off the 8-1 rout of the Beavers.
Hanley again went the distance for Bowdoin, striking out seven. Jessie
Poulin handed UMF their second loss of the afternoon. Senior captains
Emily Rizza and Miller combined contributed to the win for 4-5 from the
plate and posted 2 RBIS and two runs scored in the win.
The Bears five game winning streak was ended by the Jumbos
from Tufts. The first game was a true pitchers' duel, as the score was
locked at zero going into the sixth inning. Poulin and catcher Sheridan
combined to keep the game tight. However, a Jumbo broke the tie with a
two-run homer, earning the only runs of the game. In the second game,
the Jumbos burst out of the gates early, leaving the Bears behind in a
flurry of hits.
Rebounding quickly, Bowdoin swept Plymouth State College
on Monday. Poulin struck out seven and Rachael "Flash" Gordon
drove in the final RBI, winning the game for the Bears with a score of
2-1. Gordon is one of the fastest Bears on the team and her teammates
anticipate future exploits similar to those of Miller within the weight
room.
In an amazing display of pitching prowess, Hanley completed
only the third no-hitter in Bowdoin softball history in the second game.
Laugelli accomplished the same feat last year against Husson. Jordan Alper
headed up the offensive effort going 2-3 with an RBI and two runs scored.
The Bears will be facing Husson this afternoon at home in a double-header. The games promise to be both exciting and entertaining, starring Mrs. Burton as the head of the Friends of Bowdoin Softball Cheering Squad. Be sure to head out to the field to catch some rays and some of the action. Bowdoin softball is the perfect way to finish off your week.