BOX SCORE

Reading, Pa. (May 15, 2011) – Eighth-seeded Misericordia University (25-17) got a three-run homer in the first inning in a 4-0 win over #2 Alvernia University (23-13) Sunday morning in the final elimination game of the ECAC South Region Softball Championships hosted by Alvernia at Angelica Park.

Misericordia junior Maria Kidron opened the game with a double to the fence in center and the Cougars moved her to third with a sacrifice bunt. Hollie Sarnak, the Cougars leading RBI threat, was awarded first on a disputed hit-by-pitch call, and Alvernia starter Jennifer Petrilla (Hamilton, N.J./Hamilton East) set down the next batter with her first of eight strikeouts. She then went ahead 0-2 on Nicole Boccia, but the sophomore catcher turned on the next offering and kept it just inside the foul pole in left for a three-run homer.

Neither team scored over the next five innings although each had opportunities. Alverina had a runner at third in the third and fifth innings and had the bases loaded in the seventh, but couldn't come up with the big hit to drive home runs.

Caitlin Cromley threw a complete game giving up seven hits with one walk and one strikeout. Michelle Hermans (Cherry Hill, N.J./Cherry Hill West) had a two-hit game for the Crusaders as did Amanda Polaha for the Cougars.

Misericordia advances to the Championship game to face #3 DeSales. The Cougars will need to win two to capture their third ECAC crown in the last four years. The Bulldogs, the defending champion, needs just one.

#8 Misericordia 4, #2 Alvernia 0