Softball Drops Home Opener to Virginia Tech, 7-1
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CONWAY, S.C.- The Coastal Carolina University softball team dropped its 2009 home opener this afternoon, 7-1 to the Virginia Tech Hokies in game two of the 2009 Kickin' Chicken Classic.
Sophomore Katelin Edwards (Greer, S.C./Byrnes)(Newberry)) got her fifth start of the season, and struggled early on, allowing three runs in the first two innings. Ahead 3-0, the big blow for the Hokies came in the third as Cherise Mariconda walked to lead off the frame. Hokie slugger Jessica Everhart then hit a two-run homer over the centerfield fence to extend Virginia Tech's lead to 5-0, and knock Edwards out of the contest in favor of freshman Ivy McCranie (Nashville, Ga./Berriend). The freshman filled in effectively, retiring the side in order.
The Chanticleers (1-4) looked to answer back in the home half of the third, as sophomore Olivia Williams (Whiteville, N.C./Whiteville)(Greensboro College)) led of the inning with a single to left field. Williams then advanced to second on a wild pitch, and moved to third after an illegal pitch. However, Virginia Tech pitcher Abbie Rexrode worked her way out of the jam to keep the score at 5-0.
Virginia Tech (3-7) would add another run in the fifth, as Everhart struck again with an RBI single to drive in Erin Ota to run the tally to 6-0.
Junior pitcher Ashley Frederick (Lusby, Md./Patuxent), making her season debut, relieved McCranie in the sixth, and threw two innings. The junior allowed two hits and a home run that came off the bat of Beth Walker in the seventh, to run the score to 7-0 heading into the bottom of the seventh.
The Chants got on the board in the bottom of the seventh, as freshman Sarah Maples (Pasadena, Texas/Deer Park) doubled down the left field line to start off the inning. A passed ball moved Maples to third with no one out. Clean-up batter Michelle Evans (Upland, Calif./Upland) followed with a walk to put runners on the corners. Pinch-running for Evans, Brittany Bailey (Nokesville, Va./Brentsville)(Shenandoah)) advanced to second on a wild pitch. Junior Alyssa Tornatore (Frederick, Md./Tuscarora) continued her hot hitting of late, singled to drive in Maples to give the Chants their first and only run of the contest.
Edwards (1-4) took the loss after allowing six hits and four earned runs in two innings. McCranie pitched well in three innings of relief, giving up one run on three hits. Rexrode improves to 2-2 with the win after tossing six innings of four hit ball, and struck out four Chanticleer batters.
Coastal Carolina returns to action tomorrow, Feb. 21 in day two of the Kickin' Chicken Classic, playing two games. In game six, The Chants will take on the Black Bears of Maine at 2p.m., followed by a 4:30 p.m. tilt with the Appalachian St. Mountaineers.
