Troy University Athletics
Trojans Ruin The Party
2/13/2009 6:00:00 AM | Softball
Statesboro, GA - The day started with a ribbon cutting ceremony for Georgia Southern's new softball facility, and Troy was looking to be the storm cloud on the Eagles' party.
Troy did just that and knocked off the Eagles 6-0in game one and 7-4 in game two.
"I think a big factor was our ability to score early in both games," Trojans head coach Melanie Davis said. "I think that set the tone in both contests."
The Trojans got off to a good start when Georgia Southern pitcher Kristan Glover walked the bases loaded. Tasha Elmore knocked a three RBI double to get the Trojans on the board early, and a Sarah Harris single sent Elmore to home plate as well. Felicia Hammer added another run to the board when she sent a double flying to center field. The hit knocked in Harris, and the Trojans held a 5-0 lead after the top of the first.
The Trojans added another run in the seventh when Katie Ely ripped a triple that scored Rocky Paige to reach the final score.
Ashlyn Williams got the start on the mound for Troy. Williams faced 20 batters and struck out 10 through six innings. Williams gave up three hits on the outing.
Monique Faul came in to finish the game on the mound. In her first action of the season, Faul faced four batters in the bottom of the seventh. She struck out one and walked one as well.
"We're excited about having Monique take the mound for us for the first time this season," Davis said. "She battled through some injuries, and she worked real hard to get back on top of her game. She's a real compliment to Ashlyn (Williams) and Allison (Moore) both."
The Trojans got off to a hot start again in the second game by punching in three runs in the top of the first. Georgia Southern responded with three runs of their own in the bottom half of the first, but Troy added three more of their own in a counter attack.
Nikki Hollett put the Trojans ahead with a home run, and that's how things stayed until the game's end.
"I was very pleased with how when Georgia Southern mounted a comeback, we answered in the top of the second with a three run lead to keep the pressure on them the entire day," Davis said. "It's very good to see us swing the bats very well in both contests. That takes a lot of pressure off of our pitchers as well."
The Trojans and Eagles both added a run in the sixth that led to the game two final score of 7-4.
Hillary Hughes and Nikki Hollett both had doubles in the game.
"It was really good to see Rocky Paige come through with two hits in the second game," Davis said. "Rocky is a very solid and complete hitter, and she's really getting into her game now. It was also good to see our slap hitters were able to provide some base runners. Both Kala Moore and Kaitlin Kenney were able to give us base runners."
Davis was pleased with the Trojans in both outings, and she and the team look forward to taking on Mercer on Saturday.
Game times are set for one and three pm. There is a possibility of rain and thunderstorms that could affect playing times, and any change of schedule will be posted on the web site.
