Troy University Athletics
Photo by: Kevin Glackmeyer
Trojans Score Early, Williams Fans 11 In Fall Action
9/29/2010 7:30:35 PM | Softball
Troy defeated Central Alabama behind the bats of two newcomers, Michelle Hewett and Kelly Luquette
TROY, Ala. - The Troy University softball team scored three runs in the first two innings, then rode the arm of their senior hurler for a 4-1 victory over Central Alabama Community College Wednesday night at the Troy Softball Complex.
Senior Ashlyn Williams got run support early from her teammates and used that momentum to record her second win of the fall season. Williams went five-plus innings, striking out 11 while allowing just a bunt single in the third inning to the opposing Trojans. The senior allowed just the one runner into scoring position despite walking five on the night.
She faced just one threat throughout the night, allowing a runner to second in the fourth inning. However, that threat was halted when Melissa Pratt threw out the attempted steal at third to end the inning.
Williams gave way to Morgan Grove in the top of the sixth inning with a runner on base, the second time this fall that Grove has come on in relief late in the game. With Grove in the game, Central Alabama was able to get on the scoreboard, charging the run to Williams. After an infield error, Central Alabama was able to push home a run through the left side, trimming the deficit to 3-1.
Grove picked up her second save of the fall, working two innings of relief. The junior struck out three while facing just seven batters through the two innings of work.
Offensively, Troy got everything they needed in the first two innings.
The Trojans jumped ahead early in the first after Michelle Hewett led the game off with a triple to right. The junior centerfielder from Alford, Florida hit the second pitch of the game to the left field wall, beating the throw into the infield. After a Kelly Luquette fly out to right, freshman Taylor Smartt collected her third hit in three games to drive in Hewett and give Troy the 1-0 lead.
The hit by Hewett in the first was just the first of three on the night for the junior. She also singled in the second and in the sixth, adding a stolen base in the sixth inning.
Troy kept the scoring going in the bottom of the second with two outs, after a single by Grove, the junior was thrown out trying to steal second base. With two outs in the inning, the Trojans drew back-to-back walks putting runners at first and second.
A perfectly placed bunt by Hewett loaded the bases, setting the stage for Luquette to pick up her second and third runs batted in of the fall. The freshman battled at the plate, fouling off four pitches before singling to left driving in Kortney Cooper and Kacie McAllister for a 3-0 lead after two innings of play.
The runs batted in by Luquette in the third inning were the first of three on the night for the freshman, as she went 2-for-4 with three RBI on the night.
The Trojans return to action October 8 in a doubleheader featuring two junior college programs. It will one of three remaining dates the Trojans will have on their fall schedule, taking on Faulkner State at 4 pm and NWFSC at 6 pm at the Troy Softball Complex.
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