February 15, 2012
LORMAN - The Lady Wolves rallied for 3 runs in the seventh inning to claim a 4-2 victory over NCAA Division 1 Alcorn State University. The Lady Braves shut out Co-Lin 5-0 in game 2. The Lady Wolves (4-2) will play in the Rush Invitational beginning Friday.
Co-Lin 4, Alcorn State 2
Co-Lin took a 1-0 lead in the third inning as freshman shortstop Josie Porter drew a leadoff walk. Porter stole second and third base, then scored on a fielders choice groundout by Karla Beth Hux.
Alcorn answered with a run in the bottom of the third for a 1-1 tie. The Lady Braves scratched a run in the fifth to take a 2-1 lead into the seventh inning. Third baseman Kacey Smith led off with a single to center and Kaitlan Melton was inserted as a pinch runner. With 1 out, pinch-hitter Bobbie Cochran was hit by a pitch. With 2 outs, Porter delivered a clutch RBI single to left for a 2-2 tie. Porter beat out the fielder’s choice play at second on Emily Smith’s grounder to load the bases. Freshman catcher Karla Beth Hux smashed a 2-run single to center for a 4-2 lead.
Sophomore pitcher Sarah Anthony (3-0) picked up the win going the distance. Anthony struck out 2 and walked 5, while scattering 5 hits and allowing 1 earned run.
"We played solid defense against a very athletic Alcorn squad," said head coach Allen Kent. "I was very pleased with the way we battled back and scored 3 with 2 outs to reclaim the lead. Sarah didn’t have her best game, but she hung in there and gave us a chance to win."
Kacey Smith and Kaitlin Moak each singled twice. Hux’s 3 RBIs anchored the attack.
The Lady Wolves only managed 4 hits as Alcorn salvaged a split in a 5-0 win. Hux doubled and singled in the nightcap. Kaitlan Melton and Shelby Mitchell each singled in the loss.
"We had runners on nearly every inning, but just couldn’t get the hits when we needed them," said Kent.
Alcorn showed discipline at the plate in both games, but found some holes in the second game, collecting 11 hits.
Brooke Delaughter took the loss giving up 4 runs on 5 hits, 3 walks in 2.2 innings. Chynna Coghlan tossed 2.1 innings, allowing 1 earned run on 6 hits and walked one. Sophomore Kacey Smith tossed a 1-2-3 sixth inning in her first collegiate appearance on the mound.
"We gave a good defensive effort, committing no errors on the day," said Kent. "It’s a tough environment, playing over there. Alcorn always gives us a good battle. They are aggressive on the bases and have a ton of team speed. We were glad to at least come away with a split."
