Cougars' early runs hold up in victory

By TERRY JONES
Published March 30, 2005

DURANT - With a long double to centerfield in the bottom of the first, Cari Curfman drove in two runs to give Durant a 2-0 lead over Sarasota Riverview. From there, the Cougars held on for a 2-1 win.

K.C. Harris, who has committed to Hillsborough Community College, earned the win to improve to 9-6.

Curfman, a sophomore first baseman, went 2-for-3 with two RBIs and made several spectacular defensive plays.

Durant coach Missy Hernandez said she was pleased with the play of her entire team but especially with the pitching and defense.

"I was especially happy to see them score early," Hernandez said. "Usually, they wait until the later innings, making me bite my nails.

"They need to level out. K.C. did great on the mound, and Cari had a super game all around. She made a couple of outstanding digs at first, which saved at least one run to help preserve the win."

Brittany Crabb singled to lead off the first for Durant (9-6). One out later, she went to second on Laura Pulling's single, and both scored on Curfman's double.

Riverview (10-5) scored its run in the sixth after a traffic jam at third. Durant caught Michele Hendricksen in a rundown between home and third when Stephanie Field slid into third.

When Field tried to run back to second, Pulling tagged her out. But Hendricksen scored on the play.

The Rams threatened in the top of the seventh, but Harris stranded two runners.

Durant did not threaten after the first, managing only two more hits.

[Last modified March 30, 2005, 01:04:14]