University of Albany Softball Earns Split on First Day of Florida Tourney in 10-Inning Win Over Eastern Michigan - UAlbany Sports 2011

Fort Myers, Fla. - Jessica Bergin knocked a hit through the left side for a walk-off, one-run single to lead UAlbany to a 5-4, 10-inning victory over Eastern Michigan on the first day of play at the FGCU Softball Complex, kicking off the Moe's Blue and Green Invitational. The Great Danes dropped a 2-1 decision to Iowa earlier on Friday, Feb. 25.

In the victory over Eastern Michigan, UAlbany scored three runs in the bottom of the first on three walks and two hit batters, with Bergin and Kylie Apostolina earning RBIs. Kayla Cilley drove in the final run of the inning on a sacrifice fly that scored Mason. A solo homerun by Mason in the third inning increased the Great Dane lead to four.

Sarah Gerber started Easter Michigan's late rally with a double to left field and advanced to third on a fielder's choice. Russ connected on a gapper to left-center allowing Gerber to come around and score. EMU (1-1) plated another run off of a Lauren Delapaz RBI double, locking the score at 4-2. The Eagles tied the game in the top of the seventh on a two-run double by Nellie Coquillard, sending the game to extra innings.

The teams played two scoreless frames before Bergin's heroics in the bottom of the 10th sealed up UAlbany's first win of the season. Brittany MacFawn tossed seven innings for the Great Danes, fanning seven, while Brittany Schweiger tossed the final three frames in relief, striking out one without allowing a hit.

Earlier in the day, Iowa senior Chelsea Carmody scored the winning run for the Hawkeyes after singled through the right side to lead off the bottom of the sixth inning. After moving up to second on a Jenny Schuelke fly ball to left, the Carmody scored the game-winning run on two UAlbany wild pitches.

Iowa freshman Nikki Gentile provided the early offense for Iowa, connecting on a second-inning home run to give the Hawkeyes the 1-0 advantage. UAlbany tied the game at 1-1 in the top of the fourth, as Andrianna Walraven led off with a double to right. A sacrifice bunt by Melissa Herndon put Walraven in scoring position, and she scored the tying run on a Bergin single.

Allie Weiser tossed a complete-game for UAlbany (1-1), striking out two and scattering four hits. Kayla Massey earned the win for Iowa (4-4), despite allowing seven UAlbany hits with just one strikeout. The Great Danes will continue play at the Moe's Blue and Green Invite on Saturday, taking on Southern Illinois and St. Francis (Pa.).

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information