Feb. 11, 2007

Western Carolina at Lipscomb - Game One
Western Carolina at Lipscomb - Game Two

Nashville, Tenn. - Western Carolina surrendered three home runs while only managing 10 hits through two games on Sunday, dropping its second-consecutive doubleheader to open the 2007 season. Lipscomb scored in the bottom of the first and held the Catamounts a bay to take the opening game, 1-0, then pounded out 10 hits en route to a two-game sweep by a 5-1 tally.

Lipscomb's Julia Davidson provided what would prove to be the game-winning run in the opening game with a solo homer to left field in the home half of the first inning. The Catamounts were not without opportunities, though, as WCU had its leadoff runner aboard in six of the seven innings, stranding that runner each time.

In the top of the first, sophomore Heather Pritchard doubled to left field to open the game and stole third to put runner 60-feet away from an early lead. But three strikeouts left the Hudson, N.C., native stranded on third. Western would not advance a runner past second the remainder of the contest.

Four Catamounts finished 1-for-3 in the first game as Pritchard, freshman Serena Smith, and sophomores Stephanie Beatty and Mendy McKenzie each picked up a hit. McKenzie was saddled with her second loss of the season, allowing four hits and one earned run in six innings of work while striking out five and walking three.

In game two of the twin bill, Western (0-4) plated the tying run in the top of the third to knot things at one all. But a four-run Lady Bison fifth inning, including a pair of two-run home runs, broke the game open for the 5-1 finish.

Down by one, McKenzie delivered a one-out single and was advanced to second by Pritchard, who led the team in sacrifice hits a year ago. Smith then posted her first collegiate career RBI with a double to score McKenzie.

However, WCU was unable to push a runner past second base the remainder of the game, dropping its fourth-straight to open the season.

McKenzie led the Catamounts with a perfect 3-for-3 showing at the plate in the second game, tallying a trio of singles. Beatty, Adams and Pritchard each went 1-for-3 with Smith recording Western's lone extra base hit.

WCU starter, sophomore Savannah Filley, suffered her first defeat of the season, tossing four and two thirds innings allowing five earned runs on nine hits, including both long balls, with one strikeout. McKenzie came on in relief tossing an inning and a third of one-hit softball while striking out two.

Western will try for its first win of the season this Wednesday, Feb. 14, as it travels to Columbia to face the South Carolina Gamecocks. First pitch of the single game is scheduled for 4:00 pm.