Box Score

GLASSBORO, NJ - The fifth seed Western Connecticut State University blanked number three Rowan University, 7-0 in the first round of the NCAA Division III Softball Championship Tournament on Saturday. It was the second day of competition at Rowan as rain delayed Friday’s schedule.

Western Connecticut State (30-14) meets the seventh seed Hunter College (23-20) at 2:30 p.m. today. Rowan University finishes the year with a 31-11 record.

Right hander Shelby Slie (sr. Seymour, CT/Seymour) went the distance on the mound for the win. Slie (17-7) scattered six hits and struck eight batters for her seventh shutout on the season. Pitcher Jackie Sasko (jr. Hamilton, NJ/Steinert) took the loss. Sasko ends the season with a 19-7 mark.

For the Colonels, second baseman Kristen Lugovich (sr. West Haven, CT/West Haven) went two for four with three RBIs and one run scored. Center fielder Rebecca Andruskiwec (so. Orange, CT/Amity) and left fielder Megan Brunell (sr. North Attleboro, MA/North Attleboro) each contributed with two hits (three at bats) and two runs scored. Third baseman Stacey DiMaggio (sr. Hopewell Jct., NY/John Jay) added a double and one RBI.

Right fielder Heidi Smith (so. Hainesport, NJ/Rancocas Valley Reg.) and catcher Stephanie Taraschi (so. Mt. Ephraim, NJ/Audubon) both had two hits (three at bats) for Rowan. Smith recorded her 17th double this year.

Western Connecticut State jumped out to a 4-0 lead with two runs in the first and second innings. First baseman Cortney Romyns (sr. Newton, NJ/Blair Academy) scored on an error and DiMaggio’s double brought home Lugovich in the first inning. In the second, Lugovich had a bunt single that plated Andruskiwec. Brunell scored when Lugovich was caught stealing going to second base.

The Colonels sealed the victory with three runs in the bottom of the sixth. Right fielder Amy Hartman (fr. Ellington, CT/Ellington) crossed the plate on an error for the first run. Lugovich singled to center field, scoring Brunell and Andruskiwec.