Troy University Athletics
Troy Falls to #6 Alabama In Softball Action
2/24/2005 12:00:00 AM | Softball
TROY, Ala. - The Trojan Softball team fell to the #6 Alabama Crimson Tide Thursday night at the Lady Trojan Softball Complex. The final score read Alabama 5 Troy 1, but the game was much closer than the score would indicate.
It was a pitcher's duel between the Tide's Jennifer Wright and the Trojans' Jocelyn McCallum for five innings. In the fifth inning Alabama was clinging 1-0 lead when the Crimson Tide's Ashley Courtney doubled to centerfield to score three runs as the bases were loaded. Courtney then advanced to third when centerfielder Jenny Boyd threw to home plate to try and stop another run from scoring. Courtney then reached home when catcher Tamra Howren overthrew third base trying to pick her off at third. Four runs were scored on the play.
I don't think the score is indicative of how close the game really was,” said Trojans head coach Melanie Davis. They're a great team and great teams will capitalize on other team's mistakes.”
For Troy the lone bright spot offensively was the bat of second baseman Tara Blackwell. Blackwell went three for three at the plate earning the Trojans only hits of the game.
I definitely think we could have taken Alabama, they got lucky when we didn't,” said Blackwell. This team just needs confidence in themselves at the plate.”
For the game Troy's McCallum went six and one-thirds innings striking out seven batters while Alabama's Wright went five innings striking out six. Troy fought valiantly throughout but was unable to overcome a disastrous fifth inning.
I'm really proud of how this team didn't stop fighting,” said Davis. This will be a growing experience because it shows us what we need to work on.”
With the loss Troy falls to 13-4 on the season while Alabama moves to 16-1 as it prepares to go the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Leadoff Classic this weekend. Troy is set to host another Southeastern Conference opponent when Auburn comes to town Wednesday, March 4. Game time is set for 4 p.m. and admission is free.
