Great Danes Conclude Day Two at FGCU Invitational

 

FORT MYERS, FLA. -- The University at Albany softball team dropped two at the FGCU/LaQuinta Inn at the Airport Spring Break Invitational. The losses came against Michigan State University of the Big Ten, 3-1, and reigning Atlantic Sun champions and tournament host, Florida Gulf Coast University, 6-0. UAlbany will match-up against the University of Minnesota tomorrow, their second meeting in three days, before concluding their 2013 tournament-opener.

The Great Danes began Saturday’s action against the Spartans. Brittany MacFawn was given the nod for UAlbany against MSU’s Kelly Smith. The right-handed junior was coming off a complete game performance yesterday against Villanova.

MacFawn started strong – keeping Michigan State off the board for the first four innings. She left three Spartan runners in scoring position in the first two innings.

In the bottom of the fourth, UAlbany (0-4) took their first lead of the early 2013 season off the bat of sophomore Marlin Solano. The inning started with junior Lauren Alcorn connecting for a single up the middle. Two straight successful bunts put pinch-runner Kelly Costello on third base. She scored off a sac-fly by Solano to put the Great Danes up 1-0. It was her first RBI of the season.

MacFawn’s scoreless streak was brought to an end in the fifth inning. Michigan State (7-4) strung together two straight singles to begin the inning. After bringing one home, Jayme O’Bryant gave MSU their first lead of the game, 3-1. She stepped up to the plate with two outs and hit a two-run double.

That would be the only scoring the Spartans would need to seal the victory. UAlbany was put down one-two-three in the final two innings. Smith went the distance in the victory. She allowed three hits and one earned run, striking out four. MacFawn (0-2) recorded her second straight complete game. She scattered six hits over six innings, allowing three earned runs and strikeout out three.

In game two, sophomore Emily Ostrom hit the mound for UAlbany. She was matched up against FGCU’s Shelby Morgan. Ostrom (0-2) has converted to a starting pitching role this season. She made her collegiate debut on the mound yesterday against the Golden Gophers.

After three scoreless innings, the Eagles found the scoreboard. Regan Knapik singled to center field, driving in two. After adding one in the fifth, FGCU (6-4) opened things up in final inning. Chelsea Zgrabik slugged a homer to left field, scoring two. The dinger gave the Eagles the 6-0 win.

Sophomore Vicky McFarland and Costello each recorded a hit for the Great Danes. Ostorm went the distance. She allowed seven hits, six earned runs and walked four. UAlbany left five runners on base and were 3-7 on advancement opportunities.

UAlbany will conclude action at the FGCU Invitational tomorrow. They play Minnesota at 9:00 a.m. Tournament play will continue next weekend when the Great Danes head to the Coastal Carolina Tournament.