Panthers advance at GSAC Championship Tournament
April 21, 2007

MARYVILLE, Tenn. – LaGrange College advanced at the GSAC Championship Tournament with wins over Agnes Scott and Piedmont on Saturday.  The second-seeded Panthers won a forfeit decision against Agnes Scott and blanked third-seeded Piedmont, 7-0.  The Panthers improved to 24-17 with the wins. Piedmont dropped to 18-20. 

The Panthers were led by sophomore ace Amanda Daniel (13-8), who pitched a complete game. Daniel struck out seven while scattering six hits for her ninth-career shutout.

Daniel (pictured) retired the Lady Lions in order in the top of the first inning, striking out the first two batters. In the bottom of the inning, the Panthers played small-ball after Valeree Williams was hit by a pitch and Kim Woodard's bunt single down the third base line.  Kristi Underwood moved the runners up with a sacrifice bunt.  Dicie Holland reached on a throwing error by second baseman Michelle Broderick, allowing Williams and Woodard to score for a 2-0 lead.

In the third, the Panthers added three insurance runs. Underwood crushed a two-run double to right field, scoring Williams and Woodard to make it 4-0. Pinch-runner Leah Flowers (pictured) scored as Holland reached on an error by shortstop Megan Day to up the Panthers' lead to 5-0.

The Panthers used small ball again in the fourth inning. Chloe Turnipseed reached on an error.  She stole second and moved up to third on a sacrifice bunt by Holly Hazelwood.  Woodard singled up the middle scoring Turnipseed for a 6-0 lead.

The Panthers closed out the scoring in the fifth inning. Holland scored on a sacrifice fly by Kellee Scandrett the 7-0 final margin.

Woodard went 4-for-4 with a double, two runs and an RBI to lead the Panthers' hitting attack.  Holland had a double, scored a run and had two RBIs. 

The Panthers play top-seeded Maryville College at 11 a.m. on Sunday in the winner's bracket. The Panthers have not won the GSAC Championship Tournament since 2001 while the Lady Scots last won it in 2002.  The winner advances to the GSAC title game Monday.