May 12, 2005

For More Information, Contact: Keith Gentry (901) 333-4114 / Kimberly Stark (901) 333-4023

SOUTHWEST SOFTBALL TEAM LOSES IN REGION TOURNEY

The Southwest softball team, competing in the Region VII Tournament for the first time, was defeated by Chattanooga State and Columbia State to see its season come to an end. The Lady Saluqis finished with an overall record of 25-36, more than doubling their wins over the previous season.

In the opening round game, Southwest lost 8-0 to Chattanooga State, the nation’s 6th-ranked team and region tournament champion for the past twelve years in a row. Despite the score, Southwest played well against the conference’s top team, leaving six runners on base. Three Lady Saluqis had base hits against the Chattanooga State ace pitcher – Erica Brich, Jessica Laubacker, and Jennifer Davenport.

Southwest faced the host team and Western Division runner-up Columbia State in the second round after they were upset by Motlow State in their first round game. Again, the Lady Saluqis played well despite losing the game 5-0. Brich, Laubacker, and Heather Bryant (double) had base hits in the game. Brich also pitched the entire game, allowing seven hits, three earned runs, and striking out two batters.