Galati Ties CAA Championship Strikeout Record, Hofstra Tops Georgia State, 1-0
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (May 11, 2012) - Junior pitcher Olivia
Galati tied a CAA Championship record with 14 strikeouts and sophomore second
baseman Tori Rocha hit a solo homerun as top-seeded Hofstra topped third-seeded
Georgia State, 1-0, on the second day of play at the 2012 CAA Softball
Championship at the Hofstra Softball Stadium in Hempstead, N.Y.
With the win, Hofstra improves to 37-13 on the year and
advances through to the winner's bracket to Saturday's championship game(s). The Pride will face the winner of loser's
bracket. The Panthers fell to 37-17 on the season and will meet the winner of
this afternoon's game between Delaware/James Madison.
Galati, the CAA Pitcher of the Year, was phenomenal, giving
up only three hits, pushing her record to 29-5 on the season. The strikeout
mark was previously set by Georgia State's Elizabeth Hyman in 2006.
Georgia State senior pitcher Alana Thomas was equally
impressive, allowing three hits as well, including the blast by Rocha in the
third inning. Thomas fell to 11-7 on the year.
After a scoreless first two innings, Rocha found her pitch
to drive in the third. She drove the high pitch to right center field, giving
the Pride a 1-0 advantage. It was Rocha's second home run of the season.
That was enough for the powerful Galait, as the Panthers
struggled to get runners in scoring position. An attempted rally in the fifth
inning was a small glimmer of hope, as Georgia State freshman outfielder Ashley
Christy singled and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt. Galati shut down
any hope for the Panthers, striking out the finals two batters of the inning.
Galati saved her best for last, striking out the side in the
bottom of the seventh to close out the Panthers.