Season-opening Bliss
Florida Atlantic started its season the right way, defeating No. 24 Massachusetts 6-1 and Maryland 3-2 in the Owls' Kickoff Classic.
Originally published on
2/6/2009
by
Chuck King
BOCA RATON – Florida Atlantic’s Caitlyn Bliss understood her role perfectly.
Hours after the Owls’ designated player produced a 3-for-4, two-RBI effort in FAU’s season-opening victory over No. 24 Massachusetts (1-1), Bliss drove in the game-winning run to lead the Owls to a 3-2 win over Maryland in the nightcap of the Kickoff Classic.
“Being the DH, you know that they are relying on your bat,” said Bliss, who was a combined 4-for-5 on the night with three RBIs.
“I just got in there and I was like, I’ve got to come up big for my team and for my pitchers. We’ve got to show that we’re here to play and that we can play with anybody.”
Bliss’ double down the left-field line in the bottom of the fifth plated Amber Jones to break a 2-2 tie and Rose Gressley closed down the Terrapins in their final two at-bats to earn the win.
The victory capped a sweep for FAU (2-0). Earlier in the evening Kathryn Stauffer, who missed all of 2008 following ACL surgery, drew the surprise start in the Owls’ season opener and responded with a complete game-victory.
“It was nice to close that out and know that I got the win – first time in a long time,” said Stauffer, who allowed one run on five hits and struck out five.
The night wasn’t completely positive for the Owls. Starting right fielder Becky Brandies injured her left ankle attempting to score on a wild pitch in the first inning against Maryland (0-2). She had to be carried off the field and was taken to the hospital.
The ankle was not broken and Brandies returned on crutches. She was in the dugout for the final out of game.
“I have to see another doctor about ligament damage but it’s not broke, so that’s all I care about,” Brandies said.
The Kickoff Classic continues on Saturday when the Owls host No. 6 Michigan at 6 p.m. followed 20 minutes later by a game against Pittsburgh.
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