Wednesday, March 08, 2006

            JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (March 8, 2006) - The ETSU softball team took a 4-3 extra-inning victory in game one of a non-conference doubleheader Wednesday against Radford, but the Highlanders rebounded to split the twin bill thanks to a power-hitting attack that resulted in an 8-0 Radford win in the nightcap at Metro-Kiwanis Park.

            With the split, the Bucs' overall record moved to 4-14, while Radford now stands at 12-8 on the young season.

            In game one, ETSU jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first as shortstop Stefanie Gaynord (Manassas, Va.) doubled to lead off the inning and later scored on a groundout by designated hitter Amanda Haverman (Kirkwood, Mo.). The Bucs tacked on another run off Radford starter Ashley Taylor thanks to a single by first baseman Mary Catherine Vercoe (Signal Mountain) that scored second baseman Brianna Knight (Brier, Wash.).

            Radford tied the game in the top of the fourth thanks to a pair of ETSU errors and a two-run double by Jennifer Everhart. From there, however, ETSU starter Brittney Lehrschall (Leland, N.C.) held the Highlanders in check before giving up a single run in the first extra inning frame thanks to a run-scoring sacrifice fly by Radford's Danielle Tompkins. The damage could have been worse for the Bucs, as Radford had the bases loaded at the time, but on the fly out Taylor was caught in a run down between first and second for the double play.

            The Bucs came through in the eighth despite trailing. With the bases loaded thanks to a single by Kate Powell (Johnson City) and an intentional walk to Gaynord, Knight singled to score Victoria Gast (Germantown), who had been placed at second base to start the inning. With the bases loaded again, Radford got a double play and appeared poised to get out of the inning, but Haverman came through again with a single to right that scored Gaynord.

            Lehrschall (3-3) went the distance on the mound, while Taylor (5-5) took the loss. At the plate, Gaynord went 2-for-3 with two runs scored to lead ETSU, while Everhart had two RBIs for Radford.

            In game two, the Highlanders hit four home runs, including a two-run shot off ETSU starter Courtney Jenkins (Knoxville) in the top of the third inning to take a 2-0 lead. Radford then got a pair of solo shots from Cassie Rhodes and Shelby Rector in the fourth, prompting ETSU head coach Andrea Roberts to relieve Jenkins with Lehrshcall.

            The Highlanders kept up the offensive assault despite leading 4-0, scoring two more runs on a two-run home run by Tompkins. Jenkins later returned for Lehrschall in the top of the sixth inning, as Radford tacked on a pair of runs to lead 8-0 and ultimately win the game.

            Taylor started the second game as well, improving to 6-5 with the win, while Jenkins dropped to 1-5 on the season. The Highlanders were led offensively by Rhodes and Rector with two hits apiece, while Michelle Carlson and Danielle Tompkins both had a pair of RBIs. The Bucs managed just two hits.

            For more on ETSU softball, visit ETSUBucs.com and click on the softball link.