Sunday, March 23, 2008

SPARTANBURG, S.C. (Mar. 23, 2008) - The ETSU softball team will put its four-game win streak on the line Monday evening when they the travel to Spartanburg, S.C. and face conference newcomer USC Upstate. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 5 p.m. from Cyrill Stadium.

ETSU enters play with a record of 13-17, 2-2 in the Atlantic Sun after sweeping Milligan and Gardner-Webb. The current winning streak matches the Lady Bucs' longest of the campaign as they have also recorded four straight wins at the College of Charleston Tournament earlier this month.

During this four game stretch, sophomore Marissa Hardy (Rocklin, Calif.) has helped the Lady Bucs both at the plate and in the circle. Hardy is hitting .545 (6-11) with two doubles, a home run and four RBIs as well as posting a 2-0 mark with a 2.00 ERA (4ER/14.0IP) in her last two appearances. Darci Gilbert (Murfreesboro, Tenn.) and Ashley Boyd (Chattanooga, Tenn.) also tallied wins for ETSU in this run. At the plate, sophomore Katy Jett (Talbot, Tenn.) and freshman Katie Henderson (Jackson, Tenn.) has helped spark the recent success. Jett is hitting .462 (6-13) in her last four contests and Henderson has four hits in her last nine at-bats.

The Spartans are currently 16-7, 2-2 in the Atlantic Sun after splitting a doubleheader with Kennesaw State Friday afternoon. Upstate is led by Heidi Gibbs' .387 batting average, but it is senior catcher Vanessa Flores who has the most pop in her bat. Flores leads the team with four home runs and 16 RBI.

The Lady Bucs will have their work cut out for them as they have to face one of the most premier pitchers in the conference. Morgan Childers - a 5-6 freshman right-hander - brings a 13-3 record with a 1.21 ERA (18ER/104.1IP) into Monday's action. Childers leads the conference in opponent batting average (.161) and is tied for fourth in wins (13) and shutouts (4).

Fans not able to attend the game in Spartanburg can watch all the action live via ASun.TV by clicking the link above. Live stats will also be provided courtesy of Upstate athletics and GameTracker.

For more information on Lady Buccaneer softball, visit www.ETSUBucs.com.