Softball wins third doubleheader

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Mandi Mooney

Editor-in-Chief

April 8, 2005

 

 

 

Sophomore Megan Aldridge hits during the Lady Buffs’ shutout against UVA-Wise on Tuesday afternoon. -Andrew Stauffer

For most of the season the Lady Buffs have been plagued by doubleheader splits. With only a month left before tournament time, Milligan has finally overcome their inability to win two games in a row.

On Tuesday afternoon, Milligan shut out UVA-Wise (4-0, 2-0) and completed their third consecutive series of doubleheader wins.

“We’re just getting used to playing more regularly now,” said head coach Wes Holly.

 “(The girls) are a little more relaxed and focused now since we’ve been playing our regular schedule with two or three times in a week.”

In the first game, freshman centerfielder Cassidy Sigars led the Lady Buffs with their first run after she scored off a single by senior first baseman Brooke Davis. After holding the Lady Cavaliers off during the second inning, Milligan came back up to bat and freshman shortstop Heather Poindexter, sophomore catcher Ashley Mashburn and sophomore second baseman Sarah Smith all reached home plate. The score held at 4-0 for the remainder of the game as senior pitcher Brandy Waddle allowed only two hits in the entire game.

“We played great defense – only one error in the first game,” Holly said.

Unlike the first game where all the runs were scored in the first two innings, neither team took the lead until the third inning of the second game. With help once again from Davis, Sigars and junior outfielder Courtney Ruth crossed home plate to bring the score to 2-0.

Even though the Lady Buffs were not able to score any additional runs, they were able to defend their home field and keep UVA-Wise from scoring the entire afternoon. Waddle pitched another seven innings and allowed only four hits.

“(Waddle) threw really well for us,” Holly said. “Those are the best two games she’s thrown all year. She came through for us in the second game.”

The Lady Buffs’ record stands at 18-10 for the season and 12-6 in the Appalachian Athletic Conference.

“(Tuesday’s) games were two huge wins for us,” Holly said, “and they tightened the conference back up.” According to Holly, only two wins separate the top five contenders in the conference race.

Up next for Milligan is three consecutive doubleheaders with the first at home today against conference rival Virginia Intermont College. On Saturday, the Lady Buffs travel to Tennessee Wesleyan College and then face Montreat College (N.C.) on Sunday.

“The outcome of this weekend will make a big difference in the conference standings,” Holly said. “It looks like it’s going to be a race for the championship.”