NSU Sharks News

NSU concludes season with 49-15 record - its best mark in program NCAA history

Valdosta, Ga. (May 10, 2009) - Nova Southeastern University's outstanding season came to an end on Sunday afternoon as the Sharks fell to host Valdosta State 5-4 in the NCAA South Region - 2 Championship Game. NSU finishes the season with a 49-15 mark, its best ever in the program's NCAA history. Additionally, the Sharks' 49 wins are their highest since NSU had a 53-win season in 1999.

"Our kids showed tremendous passion and heart for the game all year," said head coach Lesa Boneé. "They played with integrity and respect for the game. They represented our program and this university so well. I am extremely proud of them. They have sent the mark high."

Valdosta State, who was seeded second and is No. 3 in the nation, advances to the NCAA South Super Region and faces Alabama-Huntsville next weekend.

NSU looked as if it was going to force a deciding game two on Sunday as Noemi Luciani scored the go-ahead run in the bottom of the sixth and put the Sharks up 4-3. However, the Lady Blazers answered in the top of the seventh with what proved to be the game-winning runs as Marti Littlefield had a two-run shot to center field.

Valdosta State got out two a 2-0 lead in the top of the second with a two-run home run to left field by Stephanie Carlson. However, NSU capitalized on a Carlson error in the bottom half of the inning to make it a one-run game. With two outs, Erica Barrabi (Fr., Sunrise, Fla.) reached on a muffed throw. A single and a walk loaded up the bases for Rachel Talenfeld (So., Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), who hit an infield fielder's choice. As the Lady Blazers attempted to get Luciani out on the force at third, Barrabi crossed home plate to make it a 2-1 game.

The Lady Blazers took a two-run lead in the fourth. With runners on first and second, April Hutchens had a single up the middle, but a throwing error resulted in a ground-rule double and Amber Shaw scoring.

NSU kept closing the gap and behind one run in both the fourth and the fifth innings, made it a 3-3 game. Katie Pepper reached home on a Luciani RBI-single up the middle in the fourth. Then on the first pitch she saw in the fifth inning, Lauren Lopez (Jr., Miami, Fla.) drilled a lead-off home run to center field to even the game.

Brianna Collis was credited with the win after throwing the final 3.1 innings and allowing two runs  one earned  off five hits. She also had four strikeouts.

Lexi Sarradet (So., Miami, Fla.) received the loss after throwing a complete game. In seven innings, she gave up four earned runs off eight hits. She also registered five strikeouts.

Both Lopez and Talenfeld were 2-for-4 from the plate with one RBI, while Luciani was 2-for-3 with one RBI.

Following the conclusion of the game, the All-Tournament Team was announced. Representing NSU on the All-Tournament Team was Luciani, Patty Rivero (Jr., Miami, Fla.), Talenfeld and Brittney Lamb (Jr., West Palm Beach, Fla.).

NCAA South Region - 2 All-Tournament Team
Pitcher - Brianna Collis, Valdosta State
Pitcher - Holly Satterfield, Valdosta State
Catcher - Heather Raulson, Florida Southern
Infield - April Hutchens, Valdosta State
Infield - Noemi Luciani, Nova Southeastern
Infield - Elli Howell, Florida Southern
Infield - Stephanie Carlson, Valdosta State
Outfield - Patty Rivero, Nova Southeastern
Outfield - Melessa Jackson, Valdosta State
Outfield - Rachel Talenfeld, Nova Southeastern
Designated Player - Brittney Lamb, Nova Southeastern
At-Large - Deanna Henriott, Tampa
At-Large - Marti Littlefield, Valdosta State
Most Valuable Player - Marti Littlefield, Valdosta State

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