Softball Opens Season with Sweep of MCU

The Spring Hill College softball team opened the 2008 season on Monday with a doubleheader sweep of Mid-Continent University (Ky.) by the scores of 3-1 and 9-1.

In the first game, Spring Hill starter and 2007 GCAC Pitcher of the Year Lauren Herrera (1-0) gave up two hits and an earned run to open the first inning, but then provided the Lady Badgers with a double in the bottom of the frame that tied the game 1-1.  Herrera would also score the go-ahead run off a double by second baseman Brittany Abate.

Herrera would score again in the third off an Abate single, but her performance on the mound was the true storyline.  In seven innings pitched, Herrera allowed just three hits, and struck-out 13 Cougars and retired 19 consecutive batters between the first and seventh innings.

The second game saw Mid-Continent (2-2) score an unearned run in the second inning off an errant throw to first by SHC catcher Brooke Turlich, but the Lady Badgers responded with five runs in the fifth inning off MCU starter Meagan Lack.  Left fielder Lindsey Taylor provided the big hit of the frame, a bases-loaded two-run double with two outs.

Badger starter Samantha Brooks (1-0) went five innings, allowed just two hits and a walk while striking out nine batters.  Herrera and Abate each added two hits and scored twice for Spring Hill.  Turlich made up for her second inning gaff with three hits and four RBI.

The Lady Badgers (2-0) travel to Montgomery this weekend to play in the Faulkner University Invitational beginning on Friday versus Shorter College (Ga.) at 11 a.m.