Trojans Halt Losing Streak With Sweep

Wednesday, April 15

Troy, AL

4:00 pm

Troy University

Northwestern State

4/16/2009 1:45:00 AM | Softball

TROY - The Troy Trojans softball team got back on a winning track Wednesday night at home against the Demons of Northwestern State.

Troy (32-14) took both games in the double-header. The Trojans won the first game by run-rule, 9-1, and took game two in comeback fashion, 10-9.

“Obviously our team has struggled in recent games,” Trojans head coach Melanie Davis said. “In that second game we were behind the entire game, and despite a poor performance on defense this team found a way to win, and they did it with big hits in the clutch. I'm real proud of that. We have to use that a catalyst to build for our big series coming up against Louisiana-Lafayette this weekend.”

The Trojans were led on the day by Rocky Paige in the batters box. Paige headlined the Trojans offensively going 5-for-9 with eight RBIs in the double-header. She also scored three runs on the day.

Paige's five hits consisted of a home run to left field, two triples and two singles.

“Rocky's had a lot of back luck this year,” Davis said. “It was a great night for her, and good to see her come out of her slump this way. I'm really proud for her. She's a great kid that does everything as best as she can on and off the field.”

Allison Moore took the mound for Troy in game one. Moore went the distance pitching five innings in the run-rule victory. She allowed two hits and one run, while striking out four and walking five.

Hillary Hughes and Heidi Johnson both went yard for homers in the game. Paige added the triple, and Hughes and Nikki Hollett both posted doubles for the Trojans.

Troy scored two runs in the second and third innings, and then the Trojans sealed the victory in the fifth when they added five more runs to the board.

The Demons' solo run came in the fourth inning.

In game two, Monique Faul got her second start of the season. The freshman pitched two innings and allowed four runs on three hits. Faul struck out three batters and walked three as well.

Moore (now 10-5) came in to relieve Faul in the third inning, and she picked up her second win of the day in the effort.

The senior from Moundville, Ala. pitched five more innings and posted five strikeouts. Moore allowed four hits and five runs in her outing, but only one earned run was posted against her.

The Demons led most of the contest until the Trojans comeback in the seventh. Troy took an early 4-1 lead in the second inning, but the Demons added five runs to take the lead in the third. Troy added a run in the bottom half of the third and trailed by just one.

The Demons added three more runs in the top of the sixth, and Troy responded with three more of their own. The Trojans held the Demons scoreless in the seventh and punched in the two runs needed for the win.

The game was highlighted by the Paige home run and triple. Tasha Elmore posted a home run in the game as well as a double. Sarah Shields, Heidi Johnson and Hayden Gann also added doubles.

The Trojans next action is on the road against Sun Belt Conference opponent Louisiana-Lafayette this weekend.