Washington University stormed through Florida, winning 13 straight games and its fifth consecutive conference title.

The Bears swept all six of their Rebel Springs Games and won the first seven of eight University Athletic Association (UAA) games to take home the UAA title. The Bears’ 14-game winning streak that began in Texas was ended in a 3-1 loss to Brandeis University on Saturday.

Senior Amy Vukovich kicked off the celebration with a three-run homer in the seventh inning that gave the Bears a 6-4 win in a rematch against Case Western Reserve University, ensuring Wash. U. a claim to the UAA title.

Down 6-1, senior Krista Swip started the seven-run seventh inning comeback with a homer against Emory on Saturday. After senior Karli Stander flied out, sophomore Carter Malouf knocked in a double. Sophomore Kerry Kreitman was retired on a groundout and with two outs in the bottom of the sixth, the Bears were in peril.

“It really showed our character,” said Swip.

But the game was not over, as a crucial fielding error allowed sophomore Ally Berenter to advance and Malouf to score. From that point on, it was a steady stream of singles, hard running and a double by Swip. Berenter, Vukovich, junior Lindsay Cavarra, senior Laura D’Andrea (who homered in the third) and sophomore Megan Fieser all scored.

“Scoring six runs with two outs is almost unheard of in a game,” said Berenter. “It’s the kind of game that will be remembered by both teams.”

Fieser ensured the win with a strikeout and the team retired the side in order. The victory over Emory ensured the Bears had sole ownership of the UAA crown this year.

“It was the sweetest Emory victory ever,” said senior captain Kaylyn Eash.

Throughout the course of the week, the team showed their ability to slaughter opponents and put together comebacks.

The Bears began with a 17-4 slaughter against Muhlenberg College tying a school record of 21 hits in a game. The Mules were doomed from the start as the Bears scored 10 runs in the first inning. Eash hit two homers, Kreitman went four for four and Stander shined through with a new school record of going five for five at the plate.

“I actually had no idea it was a new school record,” said Stander. “Being in the category with [Jamie Kressel and Laurel Sagartz, who hold most records] was pretty sweet.”

The pitchers who have only seen action this season have been flamethrowers with terrific performances this week. Fieser (4-0), who picked up her first career win and career save earlier, allowed one hit in the first inning before shutting down Case’s offense in an 8-0 victory over Case Western Reserve.

“I found that starting up pitching again might help the team this year,” said Fieser. “I am really happy to help bring our team to victory in any way possible.”

Freshman Claire Voris struck out 16 batters in the 1-0 eight-inning win against No. 14 Coe College. Voris (9-0) improved on that mark to tie the school record of 17 strikeouts against the University of Rochester. The rookie nearly had a no-hitter but allowed two hits in the sixth inning in the first victory against Rochester.

“It felt great, but we’re not done yet,” said Voris. “This team has a lot of potential, and I know none of us want the UAA title to be the peak of our season.”

Fieser (4-0), who picked up her first career win and career save earlier, allowed one hit in the first inning before shutting down Case’s offense in an 8-0 victory over Case Western Reserve.

The week saw other firsts as sophomore Caitlyn Hoffman knocked her first homer against Muhlenberg and Voris had the same feat against Rhode Island College.

The Bears will play their first home game this season with a doubleheader against No. 14 Wartburg College scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Friday.

“We’re all really excited and hope fans come out,” said Cavarra.

 Print This Post

This entry was posted on Friday, March 21st, 2008 at 12:00 pm and is filed under Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.