March 6, 2006

For More Information, Contact: Keith Gentry (901) 333-4114/ (901) 619-1899--Kimberly Kreider (901) 333-4023

SOUTHWEST SOFTBALL TEAM WINS FIVE LAST WEEK
Release written by Keith Gentry

The Southwest softball team improved its record to 6-3 on the season with five wins last week, including doubleheader sweeps of Central Baptist College and Southeastern Illinois College. The Lady Saluqis also split a doubleheader with Crowley’s Ridge College and were swept by Northwest Mississippi Community College.

On Tuesday at the Buckhead Creek Recreational Complex, the Lady Saluqis split a doubleheader with Crowley’s Ridge, losing the first game 4-1 and winning the nightcap 7-6 in eight innings. In the extra inning win, Kara Hammer drove in Caryn Hubbard with the winning run in the bottom of the eighth. Eight different players had base hits in the game, led by Jessica Hefflinger with two hits and two runs scored. Erica Brich was the winning pitcher, allowing two earned runs and striking out seven batters in eight innings.

The Lady Saluqis traveled to Senatobia, Mississippi on Wednesday and were defeated in both games by Northwest Mississippi by scores of 12-1 and 6-5. In game two, Southwest jumped on top 5-0 in the top of the second but couldn’t hold the lead as Northwest scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh to win the game. Jennifer Davenport was the top hitter in the game for the Lady Saluqis with three hits including a double.

Southwest returned home on Thursday for the third straight doubleheader in as many days and came away with a doubleheader sweep of Central Baptist. In the first game, the Lady Saluqis came from behind, scoring three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to win 6-5. Carrie Byram was the top hitter with two singles, a double, and two runs scored. Pitcher Allison Mullins earned the win, scattering seven hits and striking out two in seven innings. In the second game, Southwest scored four runs in the fourth inning to take the lead and held on to win 6-2. Carrie Byram had two hits and three stolen bases while Ashley Forrest added two hits and one stolen base. Erica Brich was the winning pitcher, allowing two runs and striking out five in seven innings.

After a day off, the Lady Saluqis returned to Buckhead Creek on Saturday afternoon and defeated Southeastern Illinois 3-1 and 11-2 in another doubleheader sweep. In the first game, pitcher Erica Brich won her third game of the season, allowing only one run and five hits in seven innings. In game two, Southwest scored five runs in the third inning and four more in the fourth to break open a close game. Three Lady Saluqis had a multiple hit game – Jessica Hefflinger (2 hits, double), Ashley Forrest (2 hits, double, 2 RBI), and Lindsey McGoff (2 hits, 2 RBI). Pitcher Allison Mullins earned her third win of the season, allowing no earned runs and four hits in five innings.

Southwest returns to action on Monday, March 6 with a road trip to Paragould, Arkansas to take on Crowley’s Ridge in a 2 p.m. doubleheader.