MILLERSVILLE, PA. (March 18, 2009) – The Lincoln University of Pennsylvania's identical 9-1 defeats to Millersville University in a softball doubleheader Wednesday afternoon further illustrates how far the Lady Lions, under the direction of second-year coach Chris Cummings, has traveled in such a short period time. (GAME 1 BOXSCORE) (GAME 2 BOXSCORE) (PHOTO GALLERY)
It was less than 365 days ago on the same field against the same squad that the Lady Lions surrendered plenty of runs. That was then. Things are much different for the Lincoln softball program.
“Today's effort means more to me than the victory last week,” Cummings said. “Because it shows that we can play with some of the best teams in the country and my girls never gave up. I think one of the biggest differences this year is the ladies' understanding and passion for the game and they want to win.”
Behind the strong pitching of Taylor Hines (Beachwood, OH, Beachwood) and Britny Adams (Bloomingdale, MI, Bloomingdale) along with a solid defensive effort in the field, the Maurauders earned its runs. Through eight games, Lincoln continues to raise the bar and extend its school record for hits and runs in a single season.
In the opening game, the Maurauders scored in every inning except the fifth inning. The Lady Lions scored their run in the top of the fourth inning behind the combination of Tanina Cook (Landover, MD, Charles Herbert Flowers) and Charisse Colston (Oakwood Village, OH, Bedford). Cook laced a one-out double and scored when Colston drove in her 17th run of the season. DeJuana Mosley (Chester, PA, Chester) was Lincoln's only other base runner in the opening game when she walked.
The Lady Lions struck first in the second game. Lincoln has scored first in three of its eight games this season. Moreover, Lincoln has scored 14 first inning runs this season. The Lady Lions have scored in the first inning in five of their eight games. Once again, it was Cook that began the Lincoln rally. She singled with one out. Adams followed with a single. Cook scored on a Millersville error.
Rahinat Koti (Brooklyn, NY, Walton) recorded her first career hit in the top of the fifth inning of the second game.
The Lady Lions endured plenty of painful moments last year. However, things are changing for the better thanks to a perfect combination of veterans and newcomers that have blended together like a tropical fruit smoothie.
Although Sharell McMillan (Levittown, PA/Harry S. Truman) went hitless, she is still second on the team in hits with eight. Cook is third with seven hits and second with nine runs scored. Through eight games, Cummings has received solid efforts from every team member.
It has already been an outstanding start to the season and with several more contests remaining, things figure to get better. After earning their first victories in program history last week against Gallaudet, the Lady Lions have already received national recognition by being featured on the NCAA.com website and having Colston named ECAC Division II Player of the Week.
Lincoln returns to action Thursday afternoon when it hosts Virginia State University in a doubleheader beginning at 1:00 p.m. The game will be played at the Oxford Athletics Association Field. (DIRECTIONS)
--LU--
