Pag* 10 As the end of the season nears, the Lions begin to roar Big Mae: Pitcher Bob McLaren gave up one run in a 3-1 victory over Grove City at home on Monday. Looking forward to by Bill Graham CotUgian Staff The Lady Lions, surviving one of their toughest weeks ever, have managed to turn things around and are looking forward to the stretch run. After dropping six games, the Lady Lions have won five of their last six to post a 21-9 record with one week remaining on the schedule. It also marks the third season in a row in which Behrend has won 20 or more games. “It definitely shows the tradition and success this program has had over the years,” commented Head Coach Paul Benim. “But it boils down to the players. They deserve the credit because they get it done.” On Saturday, the Lady Lions traveled to Waynesburg to conclude a most hectic week. Marlesse Schott got Behrend off to a 1-0 lead with a solo homer in the first inning. The big blow, though, was delivered by Molly Samuels, who hit a grand stretch run slam in the third. The Lady Lions went on to defeat the Lady Jackets 7-3. The second game was a tightly contested pitchers duel. Julie Stocker’s two run single in the fifth inning proved to be the difference as Behrend posted a 3-1 victory. Jen Leone rapped out two hits to aid the cause, and Shari Robinson went the distance, limiting Waynesburg to only one hit. It was Robinson’s first collegiate win. On Friday Behrend traveled to Geneseo and received outstanding pitching performances en route to two shutout victories. Cherie Varrassa struck out seven in the opener, giving her 81 for the season. She got plenty of support from Samuels, Stocker, Terry Pegher and Shannon Persing, all of whom had two hits. Samuels included a three run homer. Julie Chimera picked up where Varrassa left off checking Geneseo on three hits to raise her record to 3-1. Samuels again “Even though a .500 season isn’t possible... there is a lot we’ve accomplished...”, said coach Peritano. by Joe Mottillo ColUgia* Staff With four consecutive wins in two days, the Lions improved to 10-15 on the season. “I’ve enjoyed it,” said first year coach Dan Peritano. “Even though a .500 season isn’t possible now, there is a lot we’ve accomplished in comparison to people’s expectations of Behrend baseball.” On April 25, the Lions hosted Grove City in an afternoon doubleheader. Behrend lit up Grove City early with three runs in the first inning as Derrick Haynes, Dan Shrock and Dave Mazur all had RBIs to pace the Lions in their opening frame. Bob McLaren took the 3-1 win for the Lions on the mound. Dave Shrock led die Lions with two hits. The Lions kept up the drove in Julie Stocker for the winning run and the Lady Lions went on to win 1-0. Last Thursday the Lady Lions played at home against John Carroll. The first game saw the continued hot hitting of Samuels and Stocker with two hits each, including one double. Varrassa struck out seven and walked only one in picking up her eighth victory. John Carroll, however, benefited from four Lady Lions errors for six unearned runs and held off a late charge for a 7-5 victory in the nightcap. Stocker, Chimera and Schlott all had two runs for the Lady Lions. Coach Benim added, “Many people stepped up late in the season to deliver clutch hits or great pitching. It was a demanding week and we’re glad ' we have people who can step up and produce.” The Lady Lions traveled to Hilbert on Tuesday, Bethany yesterday, and will host Grove City tomorrow and Gannon on Saturday. intensity in the second game as they held off Grove City to post a 4-3 win. Dave Shrock came through again as the only multi hit player with two hits for the Lions. Dan Shrock picked up the pitching victory for the Lions as he went all seven innings giving up only one earned run with five strikeouts. "We’re playing well. We’re running the bases well and we’re hitting the ball when we need to,” said Peritano. “An overall strength is our team attitude. We’ve responded very positive to a lot of firings such as rain-outs and losses.” On April 24 the Lions took on Hilbert. Hilbert wasn’t enough for the Lions as Behrend scored 31 runs in the doubleheader. They captured the first game 20-15 as Fred “the Cat” Veith and Tommy Gardner had 5 and 4 RBIs respectively to Thursday, April 28, 1994 lead the Lions to victory. The Lions clinched the second game with an 11-4 win. “Gardner had an outstanding day,” said Peritano of the junior from McDowell High School in Erie. Coach Peritano credits much of the team’s success and attitude to his assistant, Matt Palasin. “He’s got a great demeanor. He’s a tremendous baseball person. Not only has he taught our players a lot, but he has also taught me a lot.” “Our attitude has changed the most,” said Peritano of the biggest change since the start of the year. “We realize that we can win ball games. We’re going to be in games going into the sixth and seventh inning.” The Lions have four remaining games, all of which are on the road. Their next doubleheader is against Fredouia
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