Panthers go 3-1 in Early Bird Classic

March, 17 2007

The LaGrange College softball team went 3-1 in the Early Bird Classic in Florence, S.C. to improve their record to 12-6 on the season.  After falling to No. 23 Methodist 2-0 in the tournament opener, they pulled together to win their final three games over North Carolina Wesleyan (14-0), Meredith (10-0) and Peace 6-0 at Freedom Florence Complex on Saturday afternoon.

In the first game against Methodist, the Panthers were in a scoreless pitcher's duel. But three errors by the Panthers  in the fourth inning proved costly as both Monarch runs scored.
 

Amanda Daniel pitched a complete game with three strikeouts, but the team had a season-high five errors in defeat.  The Panthers managed only five hits, as freshman Valeree Williams and sophomore Kristi Underwood each had two hits apiece. 

In the second game, the Panthers bounced back as Megan Henry pitched a complete game shutout to defeat N.C. Wesleyan, 14-0.  Henry (6-2) scattered three hits and struck out two on the mound for the Panthers.

The game was scoreless until the fifth inning when Williams cranked a three-run home run. It was her first collegiate home run. Williams' blast highlighted a four-run inning by the Panthers.

The Panthers put together a high-octane offensive attack in the top of the seventh led by Underwood and Kellee Scandrett who each had a home run to erase any comeback by the Bishops.  Haleigh Kellar and Chloe Turnipseed combined for five RBI's with two doubles.

The Panthers pounded out 18 hits in the win, led by Williams, Scandrett, Turnipseed and Kim Woodard who had three hits and two runs each. 

LaGrange continued its dominance in the third game of the day, defeating Meredith College 10-0 in five innings.  Hayley Hanson picked up her first win of the season, pitching nearly four innings of scoreless ball, with three strikeouts.

The Panthers scored eight runs in the fourth inning, which was enough to end the game early, as Henry and Katie Hearn closed out the game. 

Williams paced the Panthers, going 3-for-3 with two RBI's and her second home run in as many games.  Holly Hazelwood was 2-for-2 with two runs and three stolen bases.  

Daniel pitched her second complete game of the day in a 6-0 victory over Peace College in the nightcap.  She struck out 10 in picking up the shutout.  Dicie Holland led the Panthers, going 3-for-3 with two runs and two RBI's while Woodard was 2-for-4.

The Panthers travel to Atlanta, Ga. on Tuesday to face Spelman in a GSAC doubleheader. Game times are 5 and 7 p.m.