By Pat Tintle
Staff Writer
After dropping both games of a doubleheader to Little 3 rival Niagara, the Bonnies (6-36, 2-14) will look to break their four game skid when they host Fordham (28-16, 11-5) today at 3 p.m. and tomorrow at noon. Sunday, the team will host La Salle (14-26, 2-14) for a doubleheader starting at noon and 2.
In the first game against the Purple Eagles, the Bonnies sent out freshman pitcher Carly Bilchak. Despite throwing six dominant innings, Bilchak surrendered eight runs (seven earned) on six hits in the seventh to give Niagara the 8-2 victory.
“I don’t think she (Bilchak) was tired and I don’t think that Niagara figured her out,” said Coach Mike Threehouse. “What we ended up doing was just throwing some bad pitches.”
Giving up late leads has been the theme of the Bonnies’ 2013 season.
“We’re in a situation as a team that when we get to the seventh inning, especially with the season we’ve had, we’re still at a point where we’re expecting to lose instead of expecting to win,” Threehouse stated.
The only Bonaventure runs in game one came in the bottom of the first inning from a two out, two run single by sophomore third baseman Grace Rooney.
Sophomore pitcher Julia Pratt got the start for game two against Niagara. The Bonnies struck early again on a triple from junior outfielder Lindsay Stowell and an RBI double from Rooney.
Stowell’s been hot for the past four games, according to Threehouse. In that span, she has a .333 batting average with three RBIs.
“Lindsay’s taken a leadership role,” Threehouse said. “I think the team’s recognized it and helped her confidence.”
But Purple Eagle pitcher Sydney Smyers settled down after the first inning and finished with seven innings pitched and three earned runs in Niagara’s 6-3 victory.
Pratt went the full seven innings, but gave up six earned runs on 14 hits.
Junior centerfielder Ashley Snider, who went a combined 1-6 in the doubleheader, is sitting on St. Bonaventure Softball history. Her total 23 career home runs are tied with Brianna Bricker, ‘08, for the most in school history.
“Even the best players in the major leagues and the college ranks think about that,” said Threehouse. “But I don’t see that being a problem with her (Snider). I see her coming out this weekend and being Ashley Snider. She’s just got to worry about helping the team.”
Threehouse, who coached both Snider and Bricker, said that it is remains to be seen whether or not Snider is the greatest softball player the school has had.
“I don’t want to determine that until her career is over,” said Threehouse. “She’s one of the best hitters to ever walk on campus, that’s for sure.”
