|
SOFTBALL NEWS |
|
LINCOLN MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY Office of Sports Information Sports Release April 29, 2006 Senior Day Sweep for Lady Railsplitters HARROGATE, TN – With rain expected to move into the tri-state area Saturday night, Lincoln Memorial University Head Softball Coach Dan Burns decided to move senior day festivities to Saturday in the first two games of a four game series with the University of West Alabama. The decision turned out to a good choice as the LMU women swept the first two games of the series 10-2 and 4-0 to send seniors Danielle Sowders (Knoxville, TN) and Kristin Hutchison (Benicia, CA) out on a winning note should Sunday’s action get cancelled due to rain. The Lady Splitters got the series started on a strong note, run-ruling West Alabama in the first game behind the hitting of junior Brittney Walker (Ooltewah, TN) and freshman Chelsie McNew (Knoxville, TN). Both were two for two in game with Walker hitting her 12th homerun of the year which was a grand slam and good for four RBI. McNew was also good for one run batted in. For Danielle Sowders, the first game of senior day proved to be even more special as the four-year starter was one for two at the plate with two runs batted in. Hutchison also went one for two at the plate in the first game, knocking in one Lady Railsplitter run. As usual, Walker got the start in the Saturday’s first game and as usual she picked up the victory to improve her personal record to 20-9 overall. Walker pitched four innings, giving up four hits, one run and one earned run with a walk and seven strikeouts. In the fifth, sophomore Jessica Stewart (Loudon, TN) closed the door on the Lady Tigers. Stewart gave up three hits, one run and one earned run with a walk. Although the Lady Railsplitters didn’t roll up the number of hits they had in the first game, the end result was the same and this time LMU shutout the Lady Tigers. Kelly Click (Ashland, OH) got the win in game two. Click went the full seven innings to improve to 6-9 on the year by holding UWA to only four hits and no runs with one walk and four strikeouts. At the plate sophomore Amanda Wampler (Powell, TN) was two for three with one run batted in, while teammates Brittney Walker, Kristin Hutchison and Tiffany Evans (Bowling Green, KY) were responsible for the other Lady Railsplitter runs crossing the plate. It’s entirely possible that LMU shortstop Alisa Burk (Blaine, WA) may have had the hardest hit ball of the day. At least that’s what Head Coach Dan Burns may say. Late in the game Burns was coaching third base and took a line drive just above the ankle on his right leg. While his leg turned several shades of purple and his ego may have been bruised a bit, initial indications are that he may have emerged from the incident without any broken bones. Sunday’s double-header between LMU and West Alabama will be the final games of the 2006 season for both schools, as neither has qualified for the Gulf South Conference Tournament. If rain moves into the area as it has been forecast to do, there is a possibility the remainder of the series won’t be played. That being said, the two teams are set for the final two games of the series Sunday at noon on the Dorothy Neely Field, weather permitting.-LMU- For additional comments please contact, Head Coach: Dan Burns Phone: (423) 869-6242 |