Lack of offense costs softball loss to UMass

<p>A lack of offensive support cost the No. 3 Sun Devil Softball Team a 1-0 loss to No. 23 UMass Sunday afternoon as they closed out the 2009 Palm Springs Classic with a 2-3 record overall.  The Sun Devils are now 13-4 overall after three weeks of play while UMass pushes their record to 6-4.<a href="http://thesundevils.cstv.com/sports/w-softbl/mtt/elliott_megan00.html">… href="http://thesundevils.cstv.com/sports/w-softbl/mtt/elliott_megan00.html">… Elliott</a> took to the circle for the start, where she remained untouchable through four complete before UMass cracked a double down the left line and a single to put two on and only one out. The Minutewomen’s No. 9 hitter, Kyllie Magill hit a single out to left to plate a run and give UMass the lead.</p><separator></separator><p>The Sun Devils couldn’t seem to get things rolling on offense as UMass’s Brandice Balschimiter keep the bats at bay with eight strikeouts and allowing only two hits. In the seventh, ASU showed signs of possible life with a two out rally of two hits and two walks, but with a runner caught stealing at second, ASU found themselves down to their last out with bases loaded and could not capitalize as the Sun Devils were shut out for the first time all season.</p><separator></separator><p>The Sun Devils will now return home to host their final home tournament next weekend with the Wilson/DeMarini Invitational. Schools competing in the tournament are: Southern Utah, Northern Colorado, New Mexico State, South Alabama and Utah State. Games start Friday at 9 a.m. at Farrington Stadium in Tempe.</p><separator></separator><a href="http://thesundevils.cstv.com/sports/w-softbl/mtt/elliott_megan00.html">…;