Blue Devils Bloodied but Victorious at Taconic
PITTSFIELD, Mass. -- The Drury softball team might want to consider changing their name to the Road Warriors after picking up
another victory away from home on Friday night. This time, the Blue Devils defeated Taconic 11-1 under the lights at the Doyle Softball Complex, improving their road record to a perfect 8-0. Ironically, Mary Ann Maroni's team is 0-3 on its home field this season. While Maroni was happy her team was able to win its sixth game in the last seven tries, she was a little concerned about two big-time players suffering injuries on the night. Senior Ashley Mirante was hit in the mouth with a grounder during warmups, while freshman starter Cat Record was removed from the game after taking a thrown ball to the head with her team leading 3-1.
"Although we won our eighth game tonight, it came with a high cost," Maroni said. "Ashley took a mean hop to the mouth during warmups. There was lots and lots of blood. She was sore, but she ended up being OK. Cat was taken to the hospital and received two to three stitches to the eyebrow. They did some tests on her and fortunately there are no other injuries."
Record, who has established herself in her first varsity season by going 7-2 out of the gates, was sharp on the mound during her three plus innings of work. She gave up one run on three hits before giving way to classmate Jordan Vanuni, who stood out in her first varsity appearance. Vanuni finished the game, holding the Braves scoreless over the final three and two-third innings while giving up five hits with one walk and one strikeout.
"Jordan displayed maturity beyond her years coming into a pressure situation," Maroni said. "Taconic threatened in the bottom of the sixth, but Jordan got out of the inning with the bases loaded."
Drury broke the game open with a five-run fifth inning, highlighted by a three-run double to deep left field by sophomore Ali Tatro. Senior catcher Kait Moresi was the offensive standout of the day, going 3 for 4 with three RBI and one run scored. Moresi is currently tied with junior Lyndsey DeGrenier with the team lead in batting average at .474.
DeGrenier also had a big day at the plate with a 3 for 5 performance, scoring one run and knocking in another. Senior Kendra Hinkell chipped in with two hits and an RBI in the game, while classmate Kelsey Ouimet came through with a big two-run single in the sixth inning.
The Blue Devils next play at Lee at 4:15 p.m. on Monday.