Softball Sweeps Western Carolina
3/21/2010 8:02:00 PM | Softball
STATESBORO, Ga. - Georgia Southern (16-9, 5-1 SoCon) completed a weekend sweep at home against Southern Conference opponent Western Carolina Sunday with a 7-2 win.
Sam Russo (Snellville, Ga.) went 3-3 on the day, driving in three runs as Georgia Southern took a lead on Western Carolina in the early innings and never looked back. Senior Nina Iduate (Norcross, Ga.) opened the game with a bunt single and Kelly Burnett (Boynton Beach, Fla.) advanced Iduate to second on a sacrifice bunt. Megen Smith (Springfield, Ga.) reached on a fielder's choice, and Iduate attempted to score, but was called out at the plate. Jenny Side (Loganville, Ga.) doubled to right center to drive in Smith. Caitlin Hart (McDonough, Ga.) pinch ran for Side and advanced to third on a wild pitch by Catamounts pitcher Katie King. Sam Russo (Snellville, Ga.) singled through the left side to bring Hart in to score and push their lead to 2-0 after one.
After a solo home run by WCU's Amber Hawkins in the top half of the third, the Eagles went back to work in the bottom half of the inning. Smith reached base after being hit by a pitch. Side doubled to left field to put runners on second and third and Russo singled to bring in both Smith and Side. Russo finished with three RBIs.
In the bottom of the fourth, the Eagles continued their offensive output. Kaitlynn Szczepanski (Chesapeake, Va.) reached base on an error by shortstop Chelsea Shaffer and Iduate also reached on an error by Catamount pitcher King. Sara Hinchman (Douglasville, Ga.) advanced Szczepanski on a groundout and Burnett doubled to center field allowing Iduate and Szczepanski to score.
In the fifth, Andrea Tarashuk (Flemington, N.J.) doubled to right center to plate Mackenzie Williams (Sylvania, Ga.), who reached first on a fielder's choice. Western Carolina would add one run in the top of the sixth inning, however, the Eagles would go on to win 7-2.
Georgia Southern returns for mid- week action against North Florida on Wednesday March 24. Wednesday's matchup is a scheduled doubleheader with the first game beginning at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. All Georgia Southern home games can be heard locally on 91.9 FM, The Buzz, with announcers Daniel Sallerson and Justin Baker. Georgia Southern home games may also be followed under the live stats link at the bottom of www.GeorgiaSouthernEagles.com.
