May 9, 2009

BRONX, N.Y. - The Saint Joseph's softball team's gutsy run through the Atlantic 10 Championship came to an end as UMass defeated the Hawks, 11-0, in five innings in today's championship round. It was the Hawks' second loss of the tournament, thus eliminating them.

After suffering an first-game loss to Fordham on Wednesday, the Hawks bounced back to win four straight games to reach the championship round. They needed to beat UMass twice to earn the title.

After jumping out to a 4-0 lead, UMass scored seven runs in the fourth inning to end the game. Whitney Williams had a three-run homer in that inning to lead the way while Brandice Balschmiter pitched a one-hitter.

Dani Gonzales took the loss for SJU while Dana Bieniek had the Hawks' lone hit.

Saint Joseph's set an Atlantic 10 Championship record with 26 runs scored this year, surpassing the former mark of 25 set by Massachusetts in 2005. The Hawks also tied a championship record with eight stolen bases, a record set by Massachusetts in 1999 and matched by Charlotte in 2008.

Individually, Balschmiter and Saint Joseph's pitcher Dani Gonzales each tied the Atlantic 10 Championship mark with three wins in the tournament, a feat which has now been accomplished 13 times.

Gonzales was named to the All-Tournament team along with Bieniek, Monica Aguilar and Bernadette Moran.

SJU finishes the year at 27-20.