March 4, 2006
27th-ranked Methodist wins two as Simpson reaches 225th career victory
Monarchs remain undefeated with routs over Mary Washington, Albright

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – The 27th-ranked Methodist Monarch softball team finished up the Atlantic vs. East Challenge with two convincing victories on Saturday at Virginia Wesleyan. Methodist started with a 13-1 rout over Mary Washington, followed by a 10-1 rout over Albright. The Monarchs remain undefeated at 8-0 on the season heading into next week’s prestigious Sun West Tournament in Santa Anna, Calif.

In addition, the sweep gave veteran head coach Ron Simpson his 225th victory at Methodist in this his eighth season. In their four games in the Atlantic vs. East Challenge, Methodist scored a whopping 33 runs and gave up only two.

Methodist connected on three home runs against Mary Washington, including two in an eight-run sixth inning in which the Monarchs pulled away after leading 5-1.

Freshman LaTiana Headen went 2-for-4 with two home runs and six RBIs for the Monarchs, while fellow freshman Sara Poling went 3-for-4 with a double and three RBIs. Amy Faucette and Rebekah Kelly each went 2-for-3 with two runs scored, and Kayla Talbert added a two-run home run. Freshman Lesley Hewitt improved to 2-0 on the season, allowing four hits in six innings with four strikeouts and no walks.

Methodist scored eight runs in the fourth inning to break open a close game against Albright. Headen once again was the big stick, going 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs. Taylor Powers had a mammoth three-run home run in the fourth, while Kelly and Kristen Kennedy both had RBI doubles. Jennifer Sorensen improved to 5-0 with four scoreless innings.

Methodist plays NCAA Division Pennsylvania and Lake Erie on Monday’s opening day of the Sun West Tournament.