Dukes finish with 2-2 mark in the JMU Invitational

JMU off to impressive 10-7 start in inaugural season as varsity team

DAVE KIM / senior photographer Freshman pitcher Liz George delivers a pitch during the Dukes' 8-1 victory over Iona University Saturday. JMU finished 2-2 over the weekend, but improved to 10-7 on the season.

Despite a strong showing by freshman pitcher Leah Conley, JMU was unable to rally late, falling to St. Francis of Pennsylvania 2-1 Friday.

Conley went the distance for the Dukes, giving up nine hits while striking out seven. JMU coach Katie Flynn said she thought Conley's effort was good enough to win.

"Leah pitched well enough and our defense played well enough," Flynn said. "Our offense didn't come through, and when we lose, it's usually because we strand runners. If our pitcher holds a team to one or two runs, we should win."

The Dukes fell behind 1-0 in the top of the second after an error by third baseman Kara Schwind allowed Red Flash shortstop Suzy Ernst score an unearned run.

JMU tied the game at 1-1 in the bottom of the third when freshman left fielder Natalie Burd scored on a fielder's choice by red-shirt sophomore centerfielder Leah Evert. Freshman designated hitter Lisa Perdew was caught in a rundown on the play, which allowed Burd to cross home plate before the third out was made.

St. Francis was able to regain the lead 2-1 in the bottom of the fifth when third baseman Sarah Rebar scored from first on a double by catcher Jamie Krusinsky.

Red Flash coach Brock Radaker said she thought her team played well offensively.

"We were able to put our bat on the ball today," Kozak said. "We were able to see pitches well, and lay off bad ones. We came out focused today."

The Dukes threatened to rally when Burd lead off the bottom of the seventh with an infield single.

Burd advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by red-shirt freshman second baseman Keri Schlosser, but Red Flash pitcher Stacy Scofield struck out the next two batters to seal the win for St. Francis.

"Natalie (Burd) did her job," Flynn said. "We just weren't very smart about the strike zone. We didn't execute the little things."

Conley said of the loss, "we've been able to come back the last few games, but things just didn't fall into place today."

The Dukes also played Maryland Eastern Shore Friday, tallying 14 hits in a 14-0 win. Evert went 2-2 with two runs and two RBIs and freshman pitcher Nikki Dunn gave up one hit and struck out four in five innings to earn her fifth win of the season.

On Saturday, JMU split its two games, beating Iona University 8-1 in the last game of pool play in the JMU Invitational, and losing to Binghamton University 5-4 in the first round of tournament play.

Against Iona, the Dukes scored six runs in the second inning and two more in the sixth. Freshman Liz George allowed seven hits and one run in her second win of the season.

Against Binghamton, JMU opened up by scoring three runs in the bottom of the first inning. The Bearcats came right back, scoring three runs in the top of the second to tie the score at 3-3. JMU added another run in the bottom of the second, but Binghamton scored two more runs in the top of the third to take a 5-4 lead.

Dunn gave up one run in 4 1/3 innings of work earning a no decision. JMU is now 10-7 on the year. The Dukes play the Flames of Liberty University Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the JMU softball field.