Belles fall to Alma in 7-0, 6-5
By NATALIE BAILEY
Sports Writer
The Belles pulled out a surprising performance Saturday in their double-header against the MIAA's top team but still lost both games to Alma, 7-0 and 6-5.
With an 0-4 record, Saint MaryÕs entered the games as the underdogs but once the Belles warmed up, they showed 8-0 Alma a high level of competition.
"In the second game we did a lot better than we have all year long," Belles' coach John Ganeff said. "The multiple hits within the innings really helped us out in the second game. Timely hitting and shutting down Alma's hitting was key for us."
The Belles lost the first game 7-0 after Alma scored five of its seven runs in the sixth inning.
Up until the fifth inning, the second game was much like the first. But in the bottom of the fifth, the Belles came alive.
With a runner on first, the Belles anticipated a bunt and caused a double play to end the inning. First baseman Rachel Deer knocked in two runs in the top of the sixth with a home run to give the Belles a 5-4 lead, and in the bottom half of the sixth, Saint Mary's set Alma down 1-2-3.
In the seventh, the Belles strung together several hits but could not score a run.
With the door open, Alma wrapped up the game with two base hits and two runs batted in with a hit into left field to win the game 6-5.
Libby Wilhelmy pitched two strikeouts and shortstop Marnie Walsh, who made several key defensive plays, stopped a line drive making for an impressive defensive display.
"Our defense was strong but the offense is what makes or breaks a game," senior co-captain Melissa Hayes said.
Although Saint Mary's lost both games on Saturday, the Belles are walking away from their double-header with a new confidence.
"We need to take the momentum from our last game and continue to hit strongly," Hayes said of their upcoming game against Olivet.
The two losses dropped the Belles to 0-6 in the MIAA and 5-10 overall.
All Sports Stories for Monday, April 15, 2002
