April 10, 2009

Final Stats

THIBODAUX, La. - Nicholls fell victim to Northwestern State in the first game 3-1, but fought back to win a 10 inning contest in the second, prevailing 3-2 to even up the series heading into tomorrow's rubber match at the Colonel Softball Complex.

Tomorrow's game between the two squads will start at Noon. Fans can also follow the game on the internet at www.geauxcolonels.com via GameTracker.

The Colonels (27-15, 13-7) fell in the first game 3-1 in light of leaving seven runners on base, while out hitting the Demons (5-32, 3-19) six to four. Between both games, Nicholls left a combined total of 16 runners on base.

"We did not do a good job today at the plate," said head coach Jenny Parsons. "Our pitching staff continues to provide us with quality innings, but our bats are still too quiet. I have the confidence that we will get back on track."

Nicholls cracked the scoreboard to break up a scoreless affair in the bottom of the second when sophomore Whitney Roan singled through the left side to plate junior Karla Troxler to give the Colonels the 1-0 lead.

The score remained in Nicholls favor until the top of the sixth when Northwestern State tacked on a run to tie the game at one apiece. The Demons got their run on a Samantha Roberts' sacrifice fly that plated Cara Bruno.

The Demons bats remained hot in the top of the seventh, piling on two runs to take the 3-0 advantage. The Colonels failed to score in the bottom half, granting Northwestern State the victory. Junior Lacey Gros took the loss, falling to 13-10 on the season. Gros allowed three runs - all earned - on four hits, while fanning six and walking four.

Leading the Colonels at the plate in the first game was true freshman Megan Gaspard with a 2-for-4 showing that included her first career triple.

In the second game, Nicholls drew first blood in the bottom of the third via a RBI double by junior Audrey Wood that brought home Troxler. Northwestern State responded in the next frame, tacking on two runs to take the 2-1 advantage.

The Colonels then tied the game at two-all in the sixth with a RBI single by true freshman Logan Johnson to left center that scored senior Danielle Clayton. The score remained tied until the bottom of the tenth when Nicholls junior Lyndsey Mesh knocked in senior Kodi Butler from second to give the Colonels victory. Butler was on second due to the international tiebreaker rule that went into effect in the 10th inning.

Leading the Colonels at the plate and in the circle was Wood who tossed all 10 innings, yielding two runs on seven hits while retiring five batters by way of strikeout. Wood was also 4-for-4 with a RBI and two doubles in the win.

Nicholls and Northwestern State will battle it out tomorrow for the series at the Colonel Softball Complex. First pitch is set for Noon.

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