May. 1, 2000

2000 Atlantic Coast Conference Softball Championships

GAME NINE - Championship Game

Florida State 2, Virginia 0

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida State sophomore hurler Leslie Malerich earned Atlantic Coast Conference Softball Tournament Most Valuable Player honors as she led the Lady Seminoles to a 2-0 victory over Virginia in the championship game of the 2000 ACC Softball Championships, played at the Seminole Softball Complex Monday afternoon.

In her third victory of the day (FSU defeated Maryland 3-0 and Virginia 3-1 earlier in the day to advance to the championship game), Malerich, who pitched 17 and two-thirds of shutout softball on Monday alone, improved to 30-14 overall and recorded her 15 shutout. With the win, FSU improved to 44-25 on the year and claimed its eighth ACC title in nine years. With the loss, UVA fell to 27-36.

"We felt like the Maryland game was a warm-up for these two games against Virginia," Malerich said. "We had so much energy and adrenaline that we didn't feel warn down after our loss on Sunday. I was a little tired, but I felt good about the way I pitched. This is all just so exciting."

Florida State scored two runs off of two hits in the second inning and held on for the victory behind the strong pitching of Malerich, who fanned four while walking no one. FSU's Andi Lyons drew a walk to leadoff the inning and was sacrificed to second. Becky Brock hit a base hit over Cavalier third baseman Karen Breshears' head, and UVA shortstop Johanna Kaiser errored on the play which sent Lyons to third. Staci Brandon hit the ball sharply to center field for the two-RBI single.

Virginia managed just five hits, including a double by Kristen Dennis.

Pitcher Chrissy Quinn fell to 12-12 with the loss.

"I thought we played well all tournament long," Virginia Head Coach Cheryl Sprangel said. "Florida State used their speed to beat us today, but our pitching staff did a great job shutting them down offensively."

Florida State has now won three consecutive ACC Tournament championship games over Virginia.

"What a day," FSU Head Coach Dr. JoAnne Graf said. "It was a long day, but it was definitely worthwhile. This weekend, and especially today, has shown how much this team has grown and matured, individually, and as a team. Leslie (Malerich) gave a gutsy performance. She really kept her composure. I couldn't have asked for a better performance from her."

Florida State's Serita Brooks, Natalie Bennett and Staci Brandon joined Malerich on the ACC All-Tournament Team. Virginia was also well-represented as Meaghan Young, Ruby Rojas, Amy Peay and Chrissy Quinn all received all-tourney recognition. Sarah Putnam from Maryland, Heather Sumrow from Georgia Tech and Crystal Henderson from North Carolina rounded out the team.

GAME NINE     123   456   7   R H E
Virginia      000   000   0   0 5 3
Florida State 020   000   x   2 6 0

WP - Leslie Malerich (29-14)

LP - Chrissy Quinn (12-11)

2000 ACC SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS