Chico, CA-- In their final double header of the season, the Academy of Art University's softball team faced the tough CCAA Chico State team on Saturday afternoon. The Urban Knights came out to strong start in the first game, but ended up losing the lead and the game to Chico with a final score of 5-1. After the game break, the Urban Knights turned things around in their favor, leaving everything on the field for game two. The Academy of Art University won the second game with a score of 2-1.
Box Score #1
Game one started out as a pitcher's duel. The two teams combined for only two hits through the first two innings. But in the top of the third inning, the Urban Knights got something going. Ashley Petty led the inning off with a single down the left field line. Her teammates then sacrificed her over to third. With two outs, Ashley Roy stepped up and hit a single to right field to score Petty from third. That run allowed the Urban Knights to take an early lead.
The Academy of Art University's pitching held the Wildcats for one more inning, but in the bottom of the fourth, Chico took control of the game. Errors proved to be costly for the Urban Knights as they gave up three runs in the fourth inning and two more runs in the fifth. The Urban Knights were not able to get anything else going for them offensively and ended up losing the game with a final score of 5-1.
Despite getting the loss, Urban Knights pitcher Sierrah Garcia pitched a good game. She pitched six innings giving up seven hits, one earned run, four walks, and had five strikeouts on the day. Four of the five Chico State runs were unearned, displaying how weak the Urban Knight's defense was during the first game.
Lead hitters for Chico State were Honciano who went 2-3 with a run scored, and Failla who went 1-3 with two runs scored and one run batted in.
For the Academy of Art University, Jacqueline Nieves had a great game at the plate going 2-3. Ashley Petty also had a good game going 1-3 with a run scored, and Ashley Roy went 1-3 with a run batted in.
The Urban Knights scored one run on four hits, with four errors and left four runners on base.
Box Score #2
The Academy of Art University turned things around for the second game. Again, Wildcat pitching kept the Urban Knight's offense off balance for the first half of the game. But the Urban Knights struck first and were not going to let go of their lead.
In the top of the third the Urban Knights were able to capitalize on a Chico State error and push some runs across the board. Ashley Petty led off the inning with a walk. Shelby LaFond and Melissa Coe each singled loading the bases with no outs. Ashley Roy was able to hit a hard grounder to second base reaching on a fielder's choice, as the throw went home instead. An error by Chico's catcher allowed Petty to score from third. Still with bases loaded, Alana Aweau then drew a walk, scoring LaFond from third. The Urban Knights were off to a two-run lead and that's when their pitching really stepped up.
Ericka Ames was on the mound for the Academy of Art University. She was able to pitch out of a few jams early in the game, but again defensive errors proved costly. In the bottom of the fifth inning, Chico scored a run, cutting the Urban Knight's lead in half. But the Urban Knights got out of that inning and were able to buckle down and hold the Wildcat's offense scoreless for the remainder of the game. The Urban Knights were able to hold onto their lead, and ended up winning the game with a final score of 2-1.
Academy of Art University's pitcher Ericka Ames pitched a phenomenal game. She went all seven innings pitched giving up five hits, no earned runs, no walks, and had one strikeout in the nightcap. Again errors were responsible for the one run in the game.
Wildcat leading hitters were Cox who went 2-4 with a run scored, Minch who went 1-3 with a run batted in, and Failla and Quadt who both went 1-3 in the game.
For the Urban Knights, Shelby LaFond had a good game at the plate going 1-3 with a run scored. Melissa Coe finished going 1-4, and Jacqueline Nieves rounded out her great offensive day going 1-3 in the second game.
The Urban Knights scored two runs on three hits, with four errors and left five runners on base.
After the split, the Academy of Art University finishes its inaugural season with a 15-29 record. Chico State finishes its season with a 19-36 overall record. The Urban Knights had a great first season, setting the standard for following teams. Be sure to stay updated with Academy of Art University softball news and information during the offseason by checking out their website at www.academyartathletics.com.
