Wheaton Defeat Moves Wellesley Into NEWMAC Championships (4/26/08)

In the second game of the NEWMAC Softball Tournament for Wellesley, the Blue used a 4-0 victory versus Wheaton College to advance into Sunday's Championship game(s). The game remained deadlocked at 0-0 until the top of the fifth inning. Prior to Wellesley's score in the fifth, the only hit of the game came from Wheaton in the bottom of the first inning. Wheaton was able to record two quick outs against the Blue in the top of the fifth, but they were unable to stop the offensive prowess of Senior, Jenna Harvey. Prior to her double to deep center field, Senior, Meghan Sullivan, had reached base via a Wheaton error. Harvey's shot allowed Sullivan to circle the bases to give Wellesley a 1-0 lead. More scoring would come from the Blue in the top of the seventh inning. Sophomore, Megan Wood, earned a walk and moved to second on a Sophomore, Shawna McCreadie, groundout. Sullivan singled and stole second base. With one out, Wellesley threatened a score with runners at second and third bases. Harvey would then walk to load the bases. The situation led to a Wheaton pitching change that enabled Senior, Alex Coari, to work Wheaton for a one-out, RBI walk that scored Wood. The Blue's next batter, Junior, Amanda Tai, once again came up big with a clutch double to left center field that scored Sullivan and Harvey. Returning to the mound to finish the game, Harvey retired the first three batters she faced. She completed the seven inning victory with a two-hit shutout while recording two walks and seven strikeouts. With the victory, the Blue move into tomorrow's NEWMAC Championship game.