Manhattan University Athletics

Kennesaw, Ga. (March 16, 2008) ? The Manhattan College softball team won their first game of the Kennesaw State Tournament today, 9-1 over the Alabama State Hornets in five innings.  Freshman Ashley Rampino pitched a gem as she went all five innings, giving up only three hits and striking out four players.  Rampino also sparked the Manhattan offense with a 2-3 day at the plate, driving in two RBI's.

After weather caused the first day of the Owl Classic to be canceled, Manhattan opened the tournament facing Alabama State today.  The Lady Jaspers came out strong as they scored two runs in the top of the first as they tacked on two unearned runs.  In the top of the second, they matched their first inning total after Kristina Walraven drove in the second run of the inning.  After the first two innings, the Lady J's had a comfortable 4-0 nothing lead and looking to add to their lead.

In the third, Danielle Just led off the inning with a single as Amanda Genovese tripled to bring her in and now lead Hornets 5-0.  After Rampino kept Alabama State scoreless through the first three innings, she lead off the fourth with a double.  Rampino was driven in by Walraven after a sacrifice fly to center.  In the bottom half of the inning, the Hornets scored their only run of the game, which went unearned.  But the Lady J's answered back as in the top of the fifth, they put up three runs.

After Jaci Rahey reached base on a throwing error, the Lady J's got two quick outs.  But with two outs, Lyndzie Phillips doubled to right center, driving in Rahey.  In the next at bat, Rampino hit a long fly ball to left center as she hit the only homerun of the game.  The Lady Jaspers went up 9-1 after the bomb by Rampino and kept it that way.

Walraven finished the game 1-3 driving in two RBI's on the day.  Just, Genovese and Phillips drove in RBI's on the day for Manhattan.  On the defensive side, Rahey tallied eight put outs on the day as Genovese tallied four.  Third baseman Nicole Michel led the team with four assists.

The Lady J's will continue their action in the Kennesaw State Owl Classic as they take on Coastal Carolina today at 11:00 a.m.  Later this week, they will travel down to Florida to participate in the 2008 Rebel Spring Games.