Peter Gilroy
Staff Writer
The East Stroudsburg University baseball and softball teams officially opened their new home on April 5, thanks in large part to donations through the ESU Foundation.
The East Stroudsburg University Foundation provides students with gifts and grants to programs at the university.
The organization has been active for over 30 years and has provided numerous programs to benefit student life here on campus.
Their newest contribution is the $1.8-million baseball and softball complex, located at the Creekview Park Complex in Stroudsburg.
The new complex is state of the art as far as college baseball stadiums go. It has artificial turf, along with improved dugouts, batting cages, and enough seating to hold wild and screaming fans.
This project took a little over three years and the university partnered with local little leagues to grow the donor base and help make the project happen.
The women’s softball team gifted the donors and university with an upset win against the West Chester University Golden Rams
The Warriors took on the powerhouse of the PSAC on April 7. This win was six years in the making as the Golden Rams have won every meeting with the Warriors since 2013.
However, the underclass-laden team took down the Golden Rams with a 9-4 victory.
ESU started out fast in the second inning scoring three runs to West Chester’s one. The Golden Rams followed the slow start up with three runs in the top of the fourth.
The Warriors went into the fifth inning down by one run. Then, senior Madison Vicendese hit a line drive right up the middle of the Rams infield to send in Sofia Cecchin home to draw the home team even at four runs apiece.
Following that hit, sophomore Kaitlyn Caleen drew a walk which loaded the bases for freshman slugger Mikayla Pourby. Pourby slammed a two-run single to put the Warriors up by two.
Pourby not only had an outstanding day at the plate, but also dominated on the pitcher’s mound. She allowed only seven hits and struck out six against a very talented West Chester team.
The Warriors put together a memorable performance for their inaugural game at the Creekview Park Complex.
Their next game is a doubleheader at Shippensburg on Friday, April 26, at 2:30 p.m and 4:30 p.m.
Email Peter at:
pgilroy@live.esu.edu
