Softball 4/9/2011 1:52:00 AM SUU Strategic Communication

Southern Utah Softball Splits Doubleheader in Brookings

BROOKINGS, S.D. - April 8 - Southern Utah scored early and often in game 1, notching an 11-3 victory, but couldn't repeat the performance in game 2, stranding 12 base runners and falling in a 2-1 decision at South Dakota State on Friday. The split puts the Thunderbirds' record at 17-21 overall on the year.

In game 1, Southern Utah jumped out to a quick 6-0 lead after scoring three runs in both the first and second innings. Heather Richardson put the first lights on the board in the opening frame by drawing a bases loaded walk and was followed by a two-run double by Madison Resley a batter later.

In the second inning, Jenavieve Purcell, Aly Daniels, Haylee Hoch and Darleen Fernandez strung together four consecutive hits, including doubles by Daniels and Hoch, to put the three runs on the board with Hoch and Fernandez earning the RBI. South Dakota State answered with its only runs on the game, putting up three in the bottom of the third on four hits.

The Thunderbirds bounced right back and kept the heat on with a run in the top of the fourth on an RBI double by Fernandez and added another two in the sixth on a wild pitch and RBI tallied by Hoch. Southern Utah's final two runs came in the seventh as the T-Birds made the most of the fourth error committed by the Jackrabbit defense, scoring Nicole Huntsman from third and on a double steal performed by Sami Parry and Daniels to punctuate the game 11-3.

Heather Black earned the victory for the Thunderbirds in the circle, throwing a complete game while allowing three runs on eight hits with four walks and eight strikeouts. The result continues Black's undefeated streak in league games with a perfect 7-0 mark.

Southern Utah wasn't able to push runners across the plate in game 2, leaving a dozen runners on base and scoring its only run in the top of the second inning. Three walks and a hit by pitch scored the run in the frame as Brittany Henderson recorded the RBI on a walk with the bases loaded.

SUU starter Danielle Axe did her part in the circle, holding the Jackrabbits to just two hits over the first six innings while striking out five and walking a single batter. However, Axe ran into trouble in the bottom of the seventh as she gave up a pair of base hits which tied the game at 1-1. Black entered the game in relief and allowed another single, but recorded a strikeout to put two outs on the board. However a throwing error during the next at bat allowed an SDSU runner to score from second and gave the Jackrabbits the 2-1 victory.

Despite the split, Southern Utah retained the top spot in the Summit League standings with an overall mark of 8-3. The two teams will finish out the three-game set tomorrow afternoon with the first pitch scheduled for Noon.

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