YSU softball is swept by Colonials, 2-1, 8-1

The Penguins' offense struggled in their home opener at McCune Park.
By TOM WILLIAMS
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
CANFIELD -- Ten months ago, the Youngstown State softball team ended its home season at McCune Park with a 2-1 victory over Illinois-Chicago to win the Horizon League tournament and clinch a berth in the NCAA tournament.
Wednesday, the Penguins returned to McCune to open their 2007 home season, but walked away with much less satisfaction after a doubleheader loss to Robert Morris (5-9).
"It's certainly not the way we wanted to come out before we start [conference play]," YSU (5-6) coach Christy Cameron said after losses to the Colonials by scores of 2-1 and 8-1. "There's nothing we can do about it at this point except sit back on it and reflect on some things, and come out tomorrow and have a good hard day of practice."
The Penguins struggled at the plate in both games as Colonials pitchers Danielle Cohen and Brenna Reed tossed three-hitters.
Coming off a five-game visit to Oxford where YSU played Purdue, Toledo and Miami (Ohio), McKenzie Bedra said the Penguins had trouble connecting with slower pitches.
"We faced some good pitchers on Miami and Purdue and UT," said Bedra who had a single in each game. "We just were flat today -- sometimes we don't play above the level of our competition."
Burnell pitches well
In the opener, the Penguins squandered another decent outing by senior ace Karlie Burnell (4-2) who scattered seven hits.
In her two losses, Burnell has allowed one earned run.
"She's doing a real good job," Cameron said. "She's matured as a player and as a person. We're really pleased with the way she's leading us as a senior."
Bedra said Burnell's presence is an inspiration.
"Karlie goes out there with confidence and composure," Bedra said. "She has confidence in her infielders, doesn't try to be dominant herself and let's people make plays behind her. When she's on the mound, everyone feels comfortable."
The Colonials led from the get-go in both games. Against Burnell, leadoff batter Jill Spargo hit a bunt single, was sacrificed to second base and scored on Ashlee Smith's two-out single.
The Colonials' lead grew to 2-0 in the third inning after Spargo singled and stole second base. After Lauren Nisivoccia reached on a fielder's choice, she stole second base.
Foil squeeze attempt
After Susan Perich popped out, the Colonials tried a squeeze play but Smith missed the pitch. Catcher Jamie Fornal threw to shortstop Allyse Ledford who tagged out Spargo at third base.
The Penguins appeared to be out of the inning when Smith hit an infield grounder, but a throwing error allowed Nisivoccia to score.
"It wasn't necessarily that they are tougher hitters," Burnell said. "It was more that we weren't focused today. We did not play to the best of our abilities.
"We played really well this weekend against higher division teams," Burnell said. "Today, we came out flat."
YSU scored its run in the fourth inning when Lacy Bronson singled and scored on Bedra's two-out bloop single.
In the nightcap, the Colonials tagged YSU starter Tasha Hess for six runs in three-and-two-thirds innings.
Kristen McDonnell's home run, the 12th of her two-year career, provided YSU's run.
This weekend, the Penguins travel to Illinois-Chicago for three games.
williams@vindy.com