Feb. 16, 2008

Box Score

Box Score

KENNESAW, Ga. - The Southern Miss softball team lost the first game of the second day, 4-2 to host team Kennesaw State at the K-Club Invitational.

Southern Miss (5-3) took an early lead but Kennesaw State (7-0) was able to score twice in their final at bat to take the game. The Golden Eagles has their opportunities in the game though, stranding 11 runners on base throughout the game.

The Lady Eagles had three players that collected two hits in the game, left fielder Brandi Alonzo was two-for-four with a run scored, centerfielder Holly Milner was two-for-two with a walk and a run scored and Megan Hill was two-for-three with and RBI.

The Golden Eagles offense wasted no time getting on the scoreboard in the top of the first inning. Leadoff hitter Brandi Alonzo led off the game with a single and came around to score. Megan Hill gave Southern Miss a 2-0 lead on a single up the middle scoring Holly Milner who reached base on a walk.

Kennesaw State answered the two Southern Miss first-inning runs with two of their own, coming in the bottom of the inning on a two-run home run by first baseman Jacki Warren over the left-centerfield wall.

Kennesaw State threatened again on the bottom of the third as Jamie Kekaualua single then advanced to third on Warren's double of the left field wall. Freshman pitcher Meghan Harbuck was able to work out of the jam striking out Kelsey Kulk looking and leaving the runners stranded in scoring position and the game tied at two.

Southern Miss failed to convert a golden opportunity with bases loaded and one-out in the top of the fourth, but pinch-hitter Ashlyn Harmon hit the ball hard up the middle that Kennesaw pitcher Jessica Cross was able to glove and turn the one-two-three double-play to end the inning and the rally.

Harbuck was able to work her way out of a jam again in the bottom of the fifth. After recording the first two outs she issued three consecutive walks, though she was pitching away from Warren for the third walk. She was able to strikeout Kelsey Kulk on a changeup and leave the bases loaded and the game tied headed into the sixth frame.

Kennesaw was able to take the lead in the bottom of the sixth as Amada Malcom received the fortunate bounce off an outfield wall post kicking the ball away from left Golden Eagle left fielder for a leadoff triple. She came in to score on Jenna Closner's RBI single. Lyndsay McCurry knocked in the second run of the inning on a RBI single scoring pinch-runner Catherine Rodriguez giving the Owls a 4-2 lead.

With the two wins yesterday the Golden Eagles advance to the Championship game this afternoon where they will rematch with Kennesaw State. The game time is set tentatively for 4 p.m. CT.