web Charlotte

Oct. 3, 2009

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The 49ers softball team split a pair of games today at the D.L. Phillips Softball Diamond as they faced UNC Greensboro and Wingate University in a pair of exhibition games. Charlotte picked up a 2-1 victory over the Spartans in the first game before falling to Wingate in the second game 8-0.

Charlotte’s first six batters all recorded hits in the first game as the 49ers compiled nine hits in the game. Emily Jeffery picked up the victory for the Niners as she pitched seven innings and struck out 15 batters without allowing an earned run.

The 49ers scored their first run of the game in the fifth inning as Tenaya Tucker drove in Lorena Vela on a sacrifice fly to centerfield. Vela scored from third base after she reached base after being hit by a pitch and then advanced to third when Whitney Williams recorded a bunt single and a subsequent throwing error by the Spartans.

With the game tied at 1-1 in the seventh inning, Charlotte loaded the bases with two singles to centerfield from Serena Smith and Tucker followed by a one-out walk by Keri Palma. Freshman Bri Gwaltney was able to drive to the run home on a fielder’s choice to the second baseman, whose throw wasn’t fast enough to throw out Smith at home plate.

Jeffery dominated the Spartan’s offense as she struck out six consecutive batters from the second inning to the third and only allowed four hits on the day.

In Charlotte’s second game of the day, the 49ers faced the Bulldogs of Wingate for the third time during the fall season. The 49ers swept the Bulldogs last weekend at D.L Phillips. However, Wingate came away with the victory over the Niners today as Charlotte was only able to muster two hits against Wingate’s Allison Smith.

Gina Allen started the game for Charlotte and walked six batters in 3.2 innings pitched, while allowing three hits and giving up five earned runs. Katy Hackett came into the game to relieve Allen in the fourth inning, but was unable to hold the three runners on base by giving up a bases clearing triple.

Wingate won by the run-rule in the fifth inning after they scored two more runs to extend their lead to 8-0 and end the game early.

Charlotte moved to 3-3 in the fall season and will wrap up their fall exhibitions with games against UNC Greensboro and Elon tomorrow starting at 1 p.m.