NCAA TOURNAMENT: Hanchuk’s Gem, Timely Hitting Push Gulls Past Penn State Berks, 2-0

SALISBURY, Md. — The Endicott softball team defeated Penn State Berks, 2-0, in the opening game of the NCAA Tournament (Salisbury Regional) on Friday afternoon at Sea Gull Softball Stadium.

WP (17-4): Maria Hanchuk (South Windsor, Conn.) — 7 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 11 K 
LP (16-4): Briana Smith (York, Pa.) — 6 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Hanchuk took a perfect game into the fourth inning until a two-out single up the middle spoiled it. 

She also struck out the side twice (1st/3rd), never allowed a runner to reach scoring position, and retired the side in order six out of seven times. 

Offensively, the Gulls scored both of their runs with two outs in the third.

Keelin Spencer (San Jose, Calif.) led off the frame with a double and advanced to third on a fly out to right before Chrissy Marotto (Southington, Conn.) drove her in with a double to right center.

Lauren Misiaszek (Londonderry, N.H.) followed with an opposite field RBI single to right to cap the scoring.

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE

• Today's game was the first-ever meeting between the two programs.
• Endicott extended its winning streak to 10 straight games.
• The Gulls are undefeated in the month of May (8-0).
• The 11 strikeouts for Hanchuk were an NCAA career-high.

WHAT'S NEXT

Endicott (31-11) will play the winner of No. 4 nationally ranked Salisbury / Framingham State tomorrow at noon. Penn State Berks (26-12) will take on the loser between No. 4 Salisbury / Framingham State tomorrow at 2:30 PM. 

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(Photo Credit - David Le '10)