Troy University Athletics
Trojans Complete Sweep of Gardner-Webb: Improve To 13-1 In The A-Sun
4/16/2005 12:00:00 AM | Softball
TROY, Ala. - The Trojan Softball Team survived a couple of scares in a doubleheader with Atlantic Sun opponent Gardner-Webb to improve their record to 13-1 in conference play. Troy took game one 4-2 and game two 3-1 though being out-hit on the day 11 to 8.
We knew coming into today that Gardner-Webb was a very scrappy team and they gave us two hard-fought games,” said Troy Head Coach Melanie Davis. We told our kids before the game that champions find a way to win especially when they don't play their best.”
Troy took game one of the doubleheader on the arm of pitcher Jocelyn McCallum. The Sophomore from Stafford Heights, Queensland, Australia struck out 12 en route to her 16th victory of the season. McCallum took a perfect game heading into the top of the fifth but lost it on a walk to a Garner-Webb batter.
Troy opened the scoring in the game in the bottom of the third. Senior Jenny Boyd started off the inning with a bunt single. Boyd advanced to second on an illegal pitch and then advanced to third on a wild pitch. Sophomore Stacey Dwyer then reached base on an error by the shortstop which allowed Boyd to score.
While still in the bottom of the third Catcher Tamra Howren reached base on a fielder's choice as the Bulldogs tried to throw out Dwyer at second. The Gardner-Webb Pitcher mishandled the throw and Dwyer was able to reach second safely. After another illegal pitch by Gardner-Web the Trojans had runners on second and third. Junior Sally Jones then singled to drive in Dwyer and the Trojans held a 2-0 lead after three.
Troy added another run in the bottom of the fourth on a wild pitch by Gardner-Webb. Junior Paige Foster scored as she was pinch-running for secondbaseman Brooke Powell. Troy added another run in the fifth inning when Howren singled to get on base, was bunted over to second by Bonnie Belin, and then advanced to home on a pair of illegal pitches.
Gardner-Webb managed to score in the tops of the fifth and sixth innings but could not get their offense completely on-track. Troy took game one 4-2 with McCallum earning the win.
They gave us a good fight but we stayed together and got it done,” said Jones. We're all excited right now and we feel strong as a team.”
Senior Kacie Flinn got the starting nod in game two of the doubleheader against a very determined Gardner-Webb squad. The right-handed pitcher from Fenton, Mo. gave up six hits on the day, but allowed only one run while striking out nine.
In the bottom of the fifth inning Sally Jones led-off with a walk. Junior Denise Vera pinch-ran for Jones and reached second on a passed ball. Sophomore Amanda Ragans also walked to give Troy runners at first and second. Freshman Jessica Lyle then laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance the two runners to second and third. Shortstop Caurie Miller then hit a sacrifice fly to the Gardner-Webb centerfielder to bring Vera home and advance Ragans to third.
While still in the fifth Jenny Boyd singled to right to drive in Ragans. Boyd then came around to score on a Stacey Dwyer double to right-center. After five complete innings the Trojans held a 3-0 lead.
Gardner-Webb's Rachael Riopel started off the top of the sixth with a triple to right-center to put a runner in scoring position for the Bulldogs. Riopel scored on a Lindsay Cox ground out to second. The Trojans managed to get out of the inning without allowing any further damage and held a 3-1 lead heading into the seventh.
3-1 would be the final as the Trojans improved their record to 37-16 overall, and 13-1 in the A-Sun. Flinn earned the victory to improve her record to 15-7 on the year and remains undefeated in conference play.
I told myself to be mentally strong because if I made one mistake Gardner-Webb would capitalize on it,” said Flinn. I also told myself that if I did give up a hit my defense would back me up.”
Troy's 13-1 record to begin conference play is the best start of any Trojan squad since the program moved to Division I in 1994. The Trojans will go on to host conference foe Mercer on Tuesday, April 19th. Game time is set for 4 p.m. and admission is free.
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