Softball Opens Season With Split at K-Club Classic

Sunday, February 14

Kennesaw, GA

10:00 AM

Wright State University

1-0

Indiana

0-1

Indiana

Wright State

2/14/2010 12:00:00 PM | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

By: WSU Athletic Media Relations

The Wright State softball team opened its season Sunday with a split at the K-Club Classic in Kennesaw, Georgia, defeating Indiana 5-3 before falling 5-4 to Jacksonville State.

In the first game, Indiana opened the scoring in the top of the second on a solo home run by Sara Olson, but the Raiders answered with one of their own in the bottom of the frame as Kristen Bradshaw homered down the left field line. WSU then took the lead in the fourth as a Briauna Birl single drove in pinch-runner Michelle Baker.

Wright State tacked on another run in the fifth as Louie Haney reached on an error and later scored on an error as Justine Shilt stole second, but the Hoosiers made it 3-3 in the top of the sixth as Olson struck again, this time a two-run homer to left center.

WSU, though, went in front to stay with two in the bottom of the sixth. Lindsay Barrett led off with a walk and went to third as China Frost reached on an error on a bunt attempt. One out later, with runners at second and third, Mollie Berry singled to drive in one run and the other scored with two outs on another Indiana error.

Allison Cox came on in relief of starter Sharon Palma in the seventh and recorded the save by retiring the side in order, including a strikeout. Palma picked up the win as she allowed just four hits while striking out eight in six innings.

The Raiders again fell behind early against Jacksonville State as the Gamecocks scored twice in the bottom of the first. WSU, however, scored a run in the second as a Birl infield single knocked in Baker and tied it in the third as Bradshaw singled, went to second on a Haney sacrifice and scored as she stole third and came in on an wild throw by the catcher.

Jacksonville State went back in front with a run in the third and two more in the fourth, but Wright State looked to rally back in the seventh. After singles from Haney and Katie Kine started the frame and a walk to Shilt loaded the bases, Frost delivered a two-out, two-run single to center to make it 5-4 and advance the potential tying run to third.

WSU, however, would get no closer as a groundout ended the contest.

Frost and Birl each had two hits in the second game while Bradshaw collected two hits in both games to lead the Raider offense.

Wright State returns to action next weekend at the USF La Quinta Inn and Suites Tournament in Tampa. The Raiders face Michigan State (9:00) and host South Florida (1:30) on Friday, North Carolina State (6:00) and Hofstra (8:15) on Saturday and North Dakota State (11:15) on Sunday.