May 11, 2012

Box Score

ST. LOUIS - Fourth-seeded George Washington defeated sixth-seeded Saint Joseph's, 1-0, in an elimination game at the 2012 Atlantic 10 Softball Championship held at the Billiken Sports Center on the campus of Saint Louis University.

With the win, George Washington (24-29) advances to face Fordham at 6:00 PM CT, on Friday, May 11. Both teams will be looking to advance to face Massachusetts in the championship game on Saturday, May 12 at 1:00 PM CT.

Leading the way for George Washington was starting pitcher Heidi Penna (7-2), who threw five shutout innings en route to picking up the win. Kara Clauss earned her third save of the season in relief of Penna.

Saint Joseph's Erin Gallagher (12-15) went the distance for the Hawks, allowing only one run on three hits. Gallagher gave up only two runs in 18 innings pitched over four A-10 championship appearances.

After 5.2 scoreless innings to start the game, George Washington got on the board first following an RBI single by pinch-hitter Kristi Saporito to give the Colonials a 1-0 lead. The at-bat was Saporito's first in the A-10 championship.

Saint Joseph's mounted a late threat in the sixth inning as they loaded the bases following back-to-back singles and an intentional walk, but Clauss got Rochelle Christman to ground out to end the inning.

Play continues at the A-10 Softball Championship this evening, as No. 2 Fordham faces No. 4 George Washington in an A-10 semifinal game at 6:00PM CT. Live audio and video will be provided during the Championship to fans, free of charge, through the Atlantic 10 website - www.atlantic10.com.