Central Michigan University
Penn
Chippewas Win in 8, improve to 9-7
3/7/2017 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Lindsay Gerber, CMUChippewas.com
CLEARWATER, Fla. - Rachel Vieira and Danielle Marlink each had an RBI single in the top of the eighth inning on Tuesday as the Central Michigan softball team topped Penn, 7-5, in at the USF Invitational.
It was the Chippewas' ninth win in their 11 starts. CMU (9-7) is scheduled to play Butler on Wednesday (11 a.m.).
"I think the team is really fighting to win," CMU coach Margo Jonker said. "They're really working hard together to win as a team, and that's the most important thing."
Winning pitcher Rachael Knapp (6-3), who was named MAC West Pitcher of the Week on Monday, went the final three innings for the win. The senior allowed two runs on three hits and struck out seven.
Knapp set down the side in order in the bottom of the eighth to preserve the win.
Chippewa starter Laura Vaccaro allowed three runs on six hits, while striking out three and walking one over 4 2/3 innings. Taylor Weaver pitched one-third of an inning in relief of Vaccaro.
"I thought Vaccaro came through and had a pretty good outing," Jonker said. "We had some miscues on defense, which allowed the opponents to score, but I thought she did a pretty good job."
Leadoff hitter Lacy Tolfree had three hits including a double to lead CMU at the plate. The junior is hitting .370 with a team-high 17 hits.
"When she goes to the bat and the plate, she goes with a lot of confidence." Jonker said of the outfielder. "She can get on base, so that's what matters."
Allison Curtis added two hits and drove in two runs for the Chippewas, while Morgan Gardner also had two RBI.
Courtney Cuzick went the distance for the Quakers and took the loss. She allowed nine hits while striking out three.
