March 6, 2005

Box Score

KISSIMMEE, Fla.--Lewis University softball coach George DiMatteo entered elite company when the Flyers won two games at the Rebel Spring Games. The first of the two victories was the 700th of DiMatteo's 22-year career.

The team delivered DiMatteo's milestone win with a 7-4 victory over California (Pa.). He becomes just the 10th NCAA Division II coach to win 700 games. Later in the day, the Flyers moved DiMatteo's career win total to 701 with a 7-5 triumph over Merrimack (Mass.). DiMatteo's career record stands at 701-406-6.

Against California (Pa.), junior Amy Yusko gave herself a pleasant birthday present going 3 for 4 with a double and two RBI. She drove in the eventual game-winning runs with a two-out two-run single in the fourth inning.

Ashley LeGrand started the game and worked 2 1/3 innings before giving way to Kristen Porzel. Porzel (2-1) finished the final 4 2/3 innings, striking out two and surrendering two earned runs to claim the win.

Game 2 against Merrimack saw freshman Mallory Paine miss a pair of home runs by one foot each. She blasted two doubles, both high off the fence, and drove in four runs. She doubled in the third inning and gave Lewis a 3-0 lead. Her two-run double in the fifth gave the team the eventual game-winning runs.

In addition, Kalynn Russell was 3 for 3 with two runs scored and an RBI. Kristy Vanek was 2 for 3 and had an RBI and a run scored.

Freshman Shannon Roney (1-3) earned her first collegiate victory with a five-inning performance. She struck out one, scattered 10 hits and allowed three earned runs. Porzel picked up her first save of the season by pitching a scoreless seventh inning.

The Flyers return to action in the Rebel Spring Games Monday, March 7. The team plays South Dakota State at 12:30 p.m. and Indiana (Pa.) at 4:10 p.m.