Troy University Athletics
Trojans Win First Two Fall Games Friday Night
9/24/2010 8:31:15 PM | Softball
The Troy softball team used a trio of pitching performances to defeat their opponents
TROY, Ala. - The Troy University softball team began their preparations for the spring, recording a pair of victories in their first competition of the fall defeating Gulf Coast (4-2) and Jeff State (3-0) on Friday at the Troy Softball Complex.
It took the Trojans six innings to settle into their first fall game of the season against Gulf Coast, trailing 2-1 through the first five. After giving up a pair of runs in the fourth inning, the Trojans were able to pull within a run on a Sarah Harris single in the bottom of the fourth before warming up the bats in the sixth.
A lead-off single by Randi Ashworth started the inning for the Trojans in the bottom of the sixth. She was replaced at first by Ashley Adkins, who moved over to second on a bunt single by Taylor Smartt with no outs. With runners at first and second, Harris struck again for the Trojans with a sacrifice bunt to move the runners to second and third with one out.
After struggling in her first two at-bats of the day, Morgan Grove calmly stepped into the box and drilled the first pitch into right to score Adkins and move pinch runner Callie Rawlinson to third; tying the score at 2-all.
With the game tied, Troy coach Melanie Davis made the next call without hesitation to Kortney Cooper after the first pitch. The senior took the sign and laid down a squeeze in front of the plate that the defense was unable to react to, allowing Rawlinson to score from third and give the Trojans the lead. They would add an insurance run on a Kacie McAllister single, taking a 4-2 lead into the seventh inning.
That was all senior Ashlyn Williams would need as she struck out the side to record the complete game victory. Williams allowed two runs (only one earned run) on three hits, while striking out 10 in the victory. Of the 10 strikeouts for Williams, seven came in the final three innings as she struck out the side in the sixth and seventh innings.
The Trojans did not wait as long to get going in the nightcap, behind the pitching performance of Haley Hutchins and Morgan Grove, recording their first shutout of the fall.
Troy scored a run in each the first, third and fourth innings and were led at the plate by Nikki Hollett with a pair of hits - both doubles - as she drove in a run. Kelly Luquette recorded a hit, but stole two bases in the process to highlight the night offensively for the Trojans in the final game.
Hutchins recorded the win as she went four-plus innings, allowing just three hits while striking out seven and walking none. Grove came in for the save, going three innings and allowing just one hit while striking out four.
The Trojans return to action next week, with six games remaining in the fall and spread out through October 20, playing Central Alabama Community College September 29. Admission is free to all softball games.
Eric Newell Postgame Press Conference (Louisiana SBC Tournament)
Wednesday, May 06
Eric Newell Postgame Press Conference (Coastal Carolina Games Two and Three)
Friday, May 01
Troy at Coastal Carolina Game One Highlights
Thursday, April 30
Eric Newell Postgame Press Conference (Coastal Carolina Game One)
Thursday, April 30