May 1, 2010

Final Stats

THIBODAUX, La. - The Nicholls State University softball team split Saturday's doubleheader at the Colonel Softball Complex with Stephen F. Austin, falling 3-0 in the first and prevailing 10-4 in the second behind two grand slams by senior Lyndsay Mesh.

Mesh's two grand slams were the first time in school history that a player had hit two in a game, and also tied the school record for most RBI in a game with eight.

"I'm very proud of my team in how they performed in the second game on Saturday," said Head Coach Jenny Parsons. "Lyndsay Mesh stepped up in the second game after losing the first. We are going to need the same type of team effort tomorrow against Stephen F. Austin."

The Colonels (24-17, 15-11 Southland) fell in the first game, failing to score a run on a mere two hits, while Stephen F. Austin (25-17, 17-9 Southland) pumped out three runs on six total hits to get the win. The Lady Jacks scored a run in third, fourth, and seventh to seal the victory.

Senior Lacey Gros suffered the loss, falling to 12-6 on the season, while Monika Covington got the win, improving to 12-9 on the year. Leading Nicholls at the plate in the loss were sophomore Megan Gaspard and freshman Ashton Bennett with each going 1-for-3. On the day, Bennett was 5-for-7 with two runs scored.

In the second game, the Lady Jacks jumped out first with a run in the top of the first to take the early 1-0 lead. However, the Colonels responded in the bottom half as the squad loaded up the bases with one out and Mesh went yard over the centerfield fence for her first grand slam to give Nicholls the 4-1 advantage.

After two scoreless frames, Stephen F. Austin struck again in the top of the fourth with a run to bring the game within two, 4-2, at the midway point. Nicholls came up empty in the bottom half, but picked up a run in the bottom of the fifth via a Mandy Granger double to right field that plated sophomore Lauren Martinez.

Then in the bottom of the sixth Nicholls put forth a five-spot that included Mesh's second grand slam to give Nicholls a 10-3 advantage heading into the final frame. The Lady Jacks did add one in the top of the seventh, but it was all they could muster as the Colonels secured the victory.

Senior Audrey Wood got the win in the circle, improving to 6-5 on the season. Mesh finished the game by going 2-for-3 with two grand slams, two runs scored and eight RBI, sophomore Kayla Watterson and Bennett each had multiple hits in the win.

Nicholls and Stephen F. Austin will close out the series tomorrow with first pitch set for noon. All seniors and their families will be honored before the game.

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