Box Score


TROY, N.Y. – Freshman Jocilyn Rudisill's single into short left field in the fourth inning proved to be the game-winner as the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) softball team held on for a 4-3 win over St. Lawrence University in game one of the Liberty League Tournament at Doris Robison Field.  The Engineers, who are now 25-12 on the season, advance into the winners' bracket and will play at 12:30pm on Saturday.  The Saints slip to 19-12 and will play at 10am against the loser of Friday's game two between the University of Rochester and Union College.
 
RPI struck early in the opening frame, loading the bases with just one out on the board.  Sophomore Tori Hunt (Cheshire, MA/Hoosac Valley) drove in the game's first run as she hit into a fielder's choice which saw the throw come home, but the catcher could not make the play as Rudisill (Galloway, NJ/Absegami) scored from third.
 
Junior Caitlin McGivern (Bethlehem, PA/Notre Dame) was next to the plate and sent another grounder to the infield, which was misplayed at first for another Rensselaer run.  Despite keeping the bases loaded with two outs in the inning, the Engineers could not push anymore across as sophomore Dani Grage (Pittsford, NY/Pittsford-Mendon) chopped it to second to end the frame.
 
The score remained the same until the bottom of the fourth when, with bases loaded once again, senior centerfielder Kelly Erkert (Burlington, NJ/Burlington Township) was walked to bring in the third run. Rudisill followed, sending a quick shot over the shortstop's glove to make it a 4-0 game.
 
In the top of the fifth, St. Lawrence battled back, sending a pair of runs across to cut the deficit to 4-2. Sophomore Cailyn Welsh (Simsbury, CT/Simsbury) got things going with a single and junior Lauren Weisbarth (Toronto, ON/York Mills Collegiate) reached on an error to put runners on first and second.  Rookie Aisha O'Connor (Pembroke, ON/Bishop Smith Catholic) then answered with a triple to right center field to make it a two-run game.
 
Sophomore Leslie Stratton (Bedford, NH/Bishop Brady/Waterville Valley Academy) wrapped up the scoring with a bloop single to centerfield to drive in O'Connor and make it a 4-3 contest.
 
Both teams had their chances in the later innings, but solid defense by the Engineers in the top of the seventh, retired the side and gave the home team the victory.
 
In the circle, Kristina Weltzin (Commerce Town, MI/Walled Lake Northern) pitched her way into the record books, becoming the single season record holder in victories, moving to 18-7 overall.  She also set a new single season mark in appearances with 31.  Weltzin surrendered just three runs over 7.0 innings, striking out eight while walking just one.
 
For St. Lawrence, junior Elizabeth McGinley (Canastota, NY/Canastota) allowed just four runs (two earned) over 6.0 innings pitched.  She sat down three batters and walked only one.