The Lady Buffs defeated Bluefield College 9-1 in both games of a double header on March 28.
In the first game, junior Shelby Banion scored two runs and had two triples that scored four runs for the Lady Buffs. Sophomore Danielle Gilley batted two for three with one run and one RBI.
“We always play well against Bluefield because they are not a very strong team,” said Banion. “The games allowed us to build our confidence.”
Sophomore Brandy Waddle pitched the first three innings and struck out six batters, walked one and allowed only one hit.
Banion pitched two innings and allowed only one run and two hits.
“Brandy did really well,” said junior Ellen Stoots. “Shelby pitched for the first time in two years. She did well hitting her spots and keeping the ball down. I have a lot of respect for her because she has pitched, played third, second and first. That’s respectable for keeping her mental toughness and focus.”
In the second game, Milligan scored all nine runs on only four hits. Senior Rebecca Dawson had two hits and freshman Rebecca Gilley batted one for two with one double.
“It is hard to play to your potential against a team like them because they are not very good,” said Stoots. “We did well but we only got four hits.”
Stoots said that the team’s overall batting average was lowered when the team should have batted higher against a team like Bluefield.
Waddle pitched two innings and freshman Courtney Ruth pitched the final three innings allowing only one run and one hit.
“We got to work on specific aspects of the game instead of just working to get hits, runs or outs,” said Banion. “The games allowed us to work on techniques of hitting and pitching.”
The Lady Buff's record improved 16-10 overall and 13-3 in conference play.