Batwomen Douse Maine's Fire in Doubleheader; Downpour Thwarts Attempt for Sixth Victory

In a somewhat dampened atmosphere, the women's softball team defeated the University of Maine 5-3 in yesterday's double header that saw the second game cancelled after the first inning due to rain.

For Maine the downpour came none too soon. Harvard was already leading 1-0, and judging from the Crimson's continued slugging, the second game would have been no different than the first.

Landlubbers

In the opening contest the Crimson consistently pelted the Maine infield with solid shots off losing pitcher Nancy Szostak. The Black Bears, however, were able to muster enough defense to keep the score within one run for five innings until Harvard opened it up late in the game.

"We played well for the first five innings up to the point where we made the mistake in the outfield," Maine Coach Janet Anderson said afterwards.

The mistake Anderson referred to came on a long drive Judy Zuchariason in the bottom of the sixth inning with Harvard ahead 2-1. The freshman outfielder's buses-loaded shot was misplayed by Maine left fielder Cheryle Kimbell and sailed into left field allowing a Crimson flood to inundate home plate for three runs and a 5-1 Harvard lead.

Defensively the Crimson played superbly. On the mound, pitcher Gerri Rubin turned in an outstanding performance, twice retiring the side in order in the first game before starting the second. "I had control problems throughout the game and the walks could have killed us, but I had a good defense behind me to keep me out of trouble," Rubin said.

When Rubin did get in trouble the Crimson defense rose to the occasion, making the big catch as consistently as it was making the clutch hit. While not errorless, the Cantab defense was characterized by the play of centerfielder Landys Boyer. In the sixth inning Boyer made two running catches that preserved Harvard's one-run lead and gave the Crimson momentum causing into the bottom of the innings.

The win boosted the softballers' record to 5-0, while Maine, a team much better than its record indicates dropped to 1-5.

"The young kids are doing the job and we're making the plays. Things are rolling now and each win builds confidence," Harvard Coach John Wentzell said.