May 4, 2008
SOUTHAVEN, Miss. - For the second time this season, West Florida defeated Henderson State University allowing them to score just one run. Previously, Jillian LaFrance led the Argos to a 6-1 victory in the GSC Crossover in Decatur, Alabama. Despite losing a day of play due to inclement weather, LaFrance again defeated the Lady Reddies 8-1 in the first round of the GSC Championship Tournament in South Haven, Mississippi. LaFrance struck out six batters and allowed just four hits against the Reddies. Emily Burge led at the plate with a three-for-four outing, including two singles and a homerun. Also with a big day at the plate was slugger Nicky VanCamp, hitting her 11th and 12th homeruns of the season against HSU.
HSU came out swinging in the first inning and took a 1-0 lead after a solo homerun from right fielder Tori Gast, however this would be the only run to score for HSU. The Argos brought out the bats in the third inning when Julie Carroll reached base on a walk. After a solid sacrifice bunt from Melissa Chastang, Carroll advanced to second and Coach Tami Cyr brought in Taren Walton to pinch hit for Heather Bell. The senior stepped up to the challenge and slice a big stand up double that bounced off the left-center field fence to score Carroll to tie at 1.
With one out in the top of the fourth inning, Nicky VanCamp's bat took one deep to left center field to give West Florida a 2-1 lead. Designated player Emily Burge swung at the first pitch which sailed directly over the centerfield fence for back-to-back homeruns and a 3-1 lead. VanCamp then led off the top of the sixth inning with her second homerun of the game over the centerfield fence.
With a 4-1 lead, West Florida continued to score in the 7th inning to insure a first-round win. Chastang led off the inning with a walk, followed by Heather Bell who also reached on a walk. With two outs, HSU decided to avoid risking VanCamp's bat and loaded the bases on an intentional walk. Burge again stepped to the plate and roped a single up the middle to score Chastang. With the bases still juice, Caurie Miller laced a hard hit up the middle that passed HSU's Miracle Thurston in a sliding attempt to scoop up the ball. All three runners scored and Miller ended up sliding into third base but would not score before the end of the inning.
West Florida continued GSC Championship play in the winner's bracket at 3 p.m. on Saturday afternoon against East Division rival Alabama-Hunstville.
