March 12, 2006
CLEARWATER, Fla. – UMass’ Brandice Balschmiter tossed a complete-game, two-hitter to lead the Minutewomen (7-7) to a 2-1 victory over Georgia Tech (22-6) in the semifinals of the USF adidas Invitational on Sunday.
Sophomore Whitney Humphreys (12-2) tossed her fourth complete game of the season, allowing two runs on six hits, while striking out seven. Junior Daisy Paez drove in the only run for the Jackets.
The Minutewomen got on the scoreboard in the top of the first inning as Lauren Proctor doubled down the right field line to plate a run as Tech trailed early, 1-0.
UMass’ Stacy Cullington blasted a solo home run in the top of the second inning to put the Jackets down by two runs, 2-0.
Balschmiter had a no-hitter through five innings, but Tech freshman Whitney Haller broke it up with an infield single and sophomore Savannah Brown followed with a base hit to give the Jackets runners at first and second with two outs. Senior Amy Hosier then lined out to the pitcher as the game headed to the seventh inning with UMass on top, 2-0.
The Jackets put runners at first and second with no outs on an error and walk and sophomore Stephanie Butler sacrificed the runners over the second and third. Paez came in to pinch hit and drove in junior Caitlin Lever to bring the Jackets within one, 2-1. Sophomore Aileen Morales then attempted a bunt and was thrown out by the UMass pitcher by one step to keep Tech from tying the game.
Tech scored one run, on two hits and had no errors, while UMass scored two runs, on six hits and had three errors.
Haller and Humphreys were named to the USF adidas Invitational All-Tournament Team. The Yellow Jackets will open up Atlantic Coast Conference play with Maryland at Glenn Field. The three-game ACC series will begin with two games on Saturday, March 18, beginning at 1 p.m.
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