Friedlander shuts door for Vikings victory

Updated: April 2, 2011 9:24AM

VALPARAISO - It's difficult to put a number on the thoughts running through Valparaiso's Susan Friedlander's mind.

But here's a few that most likely surfaced, as the sophomore moved from left field to the pitching circle, in the bottom of the fifth inning.

The Vikings had a decent 13-9 lead, but just one inning earlier host Boone Grove rallied with five runs on three hits to narrow the score to 10-9. That same opponent also has a Valparaiso address, making it a rivalry game. And both teams were going for win No. 1 in the young season.

"I was just trying to keep a level head and stay confident with my throwing," Friedleander said. "There's a lot of stuff going through your head, but you have to know the game is not over and your defense and your teammates are behind you."

Did Friedlander let her thoughts get the best of her? Not according to the stats.

In three innings, the Vikings reliever allowed a run on three hits. As the last hitter popped out, Friedlander shut the door on a 14-10 victory for Valparaiso.

Adding to the significance of her pitching line was the fact that she stopped some of the offensive parade. Valparaiso (1-1) had 14 hits (with three extra base hits) and the Wolves had 12 (with seven extra base hits).

While Friedlander's pitching was top notch, so were her contributions with the stick. At 3-for-3 (including two doubles and two RBI), she was the only player to have a perfect day at the plate. And her last hit, a single, drove in the game-winning run in the top of the fifth.

"In the offseason, I've been working a lot on my hitting," she said of her goal to have at least a .350 average.

"In all honesty, I came into this game, not worried about my defense," first-year coach Ron Saunders said. "(I) thought we would struggle on hitting."

Saunders projects the Wolves to be above the .500 mark.

"Honestly, I think they're going to be fine," he said. "They're young, but talented. Just got to work a few kinks out, let's put it that way."

Boone was led by Kayla Yadron (3-for-4, two doubles and three RBI).

It's also the first season for Valparaiso coach Tracy Corneil (the former varsity assistant). She credits work in the offseason for the first win.

"These girls, they've been working so hard in the offseason; having goals (and) setting goals," she said. "We were aggressive and we were hitting the ball."

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