Youngstown State eliminated with loss in NCAA regional action

May 21, 2006

Ann Arbor, Mich. - Kent State (33-23) used a six-run fourth inning keyed by two three-run home runs by Kim Hamilton and Jamie Fitzpatrick to lift the Golden Flashes past Youngstown State (22-27), 8-0, on Saturday afternoon in the elimination game at the NCAA Regional Softball Tournament at Alumni Field. Youngstown State finished the 2006 season with a record of 22-27 while Kent State improves to 33-23.

"One thing I look back on and am very proud is that there were things that happened this year that no one can take away from this group of kids," YSU Head Coach Christy Cameron said. "They battled, they were very receptive, they were a very fun group of kids to work with and they're going to have some great memories that they'll never forget."

Youngstown State senior Tiffany Patteson went 3-for-3 in her final collegiate game and finished her career as YSU's all-time hits leader with 231.

"This isn't the way you want to go out but even getting here (to the NCAA Regional Tournament) and being able to play here is unbelievable," Patteson said. "But right now, my heart feels like it's been ripped out because you spend 15 years of your life playing softball, it's all you know and now it's gone.

The Golden Flashes used a double steal in the top of the second to take an early 1-0 lead. Brittany Robinson singled to lead off the inning and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt. Megan Verde's single to left field and advanced Robinson to third. After YSU's Kristen McDonnell threw out pinch-runner Dani Monson trying to steal second, Corey Houk walked and stole second as Robinson stole home.

Kent State added its eighth and final run on a sacrifice fly in the top of the fifth inning.

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