Softball Advances to Patriot League Finals

By: Greg Levinsky

Despite batting .195 in Patriot League play, Boston University junior third baseman Madi Killebrew maintained her spot as the Terrier clean-up hitter for the Patriot League Tournament.

The decision by third-year head coach Ashley Waters came to fruition, as Killebrew slugged the first-seeded Terriers to wins over fourth-seeded Army and second-seeded Bucknell en route to clinching a berth to the championship round. Killebrew amassed seven RBIs on 4 for 7 hitting, including a go-ahead 3-run home run in a 6-4 victory over Bucknell to send BU to Saturday’s title round.

There are days when you’re in the zone…and then there are days when you’re @madikillebrew01! Madi drove in 5️⃣ RBI on 2️⃣ doubles and a 3️⃣-run 💣 pic.twitter.com/Stv7wwb0iz

— BU Softball (@TerrierSoftball) May 11, 2018

Boston University opened up the tournament on Thursday afternoon by making quick work of fourth-seeded Army, as Terrier senior first baseman Kaitlin Sahlinger’s fifth-inning solo home run capped an 8-0 five inning walk-off/run rule victory.

Army freshman pitcher Courtney Springman struggled mightily, allowing seven first-inning runs. She issued fours hits, two walks and hit four batters in the opening frame. Killebrew‘s bloop single brought home the game’s first two runs as the Terriers opened up a 5-0 lead before Army recorded a single out.

Freshman pitcher Ali DuBois tossed a complete, albeit shortened, game. She struck out seven and allowed just two base runners on one hit and one walk. DuBois tossed 6.1 innings, scattering nine hits and four earned runs on Friday morning.

The Patriot League Pitcher and Rookie of the Year is dealing! With a pair of Bison in scoring position, Ali picks up her second K of the game to end the fifth. #GoBUpic.twitter.com/XxnDIdtOAv

— BU Softball (@TerrierSoftball) May 11, 2018

Killebrew opened the game’s scoring with an RBI double in the top of the first, and senior Emma Wong singled home a run in the top of the third inning before Bucknell senior second baseman Lauren Hadley launched a two-run bomb in the bottom of the fourth.

Bucknell served as the home team due to an NCAA rule.

With a 3-2 count and two outs in the top of the fifth, Killebrew smacked the three-run home run to make it 5-2. She added an insurance RBI double to put the game away.

BU freshman Cali Dolfi recorded the final two outs in relief, surrendering one hit before closing it out. Sophomore second baseman Emily Morrow ended the game with an incredible diving grab, doubling up Hadley at first for the double play.

This game-ending double play sent @TerrierSoftball to the the @PatriotLeague championship final series! pic.twitter.com/sTZ5yIR0xP

— NCAA Softball (@NCAAsoftball) May 11, 2018

The Terriers will face third-seeded Lehigh on Saturday with the first game at 10:00 a.m. and a second game, if necessary at 12:30.