Jeffery Shutouts Spartans as Charlotte Splits Doubleheader with UNC Greensboro
April 24, 2008
Charlotte, N.C. - Behind a two-out double to left center by junior second baseman Sarah Malene and relief effort by sophomore Emily Jeffery in the circle, the Charlotte 49ers (28-25; A-10: 9-5) shutout UNC Greensboro (16-30) in the second game of doubleheader action Thursday afternoon at the D.L. Phillips Softball Complex. The 49ers, who now own a 31-26 all-time record with the Spartans, fell 2-0 in the early game.
In the first game, despite freshman pitcher Katy Hackett (12-13) collecting 10 strikeouts in her seven complete innings, the Spartans defense held Charlotte to no runs on three hits and one walk. Junior shortstop Cee Brooks, Malene and senior outfielder Emily Forbes chipped in one hit apiece.
UNC Greensboro got on the board early with a two-out homer to left field in the top of the second. Charlotte attempted a run in the bottom of the inning when Brooks doubled to left center, stealing third in the at-bat for sophomore utility Keri Palma, but failed to come home when Forbes struck out swinging for the third out. The Spartans added another to the tally in the sixth off one hit when Sirois reached on a fielder's choice, bringing Greenway, who doubled to left center, across the plate for the unearned run. With bases loaded, Hackett got the 49ers out of the half inning, striking out her next two batters, but Charlotte would fail to deliver answer, leaving one on in the bottom of the sixth on one hit and being held in the seventh to nothing across the board.
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In the second game, Jeffery, throwing four and two-thirds innings in relief for sophomore starter Gina Allen, held the Spartans to two hits, walking one and striking out eight, including three consecutive strikeouts swinging for a perfect fourth. The 49ers connected for seven hits, including a three-hit effort by freshman outfielder Whitney Williams.
After being limited to four hits through six innings, leaving five on base, Charlotte rallied in the bottom of the seventh behind a Palma single through the right side and a single up the middle from freshman catcher Tenaya Tucker. With freshman Kendra McCall pinch running for Palma, Malene doubled to left center with two outs--a Forbes pop up and strikeout from junior third baseman Jenny Rumbles--to send McCall across the plate for the game-winner.
The 49ers return to action Saturday when they host conference foe La Salle for a doubleheader at noon.
