March 15, 2006
27th-ranked Monarchs sweep Averett, remain undefeated in USA South
Headen homers in game one, Acosta has four hits in nightcap

DANVILLE, Va. – Pulling out the offensive fireworks on Wednesday, the Methodist Monarch softball team recorded yet another sweep in USA South Athletic Conference play with a 5-1, 9-2 twin-killing at rival Averett. The victory was the fourth straight for the 27th-ranked Monarchs, which remain undefeated in the USA South at 6-0.

Methodist had a combined 26 hits in the doubleheader, including 17 in game two against Cougar pitching.

The Monarchs opened the first game with three runs in the first inning. LaTiana Headen smacked a two-run home run – her fifth on the season – and then Kayla Talbert’s RBI single scored Kristen Kennedy from third.

Methodist added its final two runs in the fifth. Headen’s RBI single scored Acosta, followed by an RBI double by Kennedy that scored Headen.

Headen went 2-for-3 with two runs scored and three RBIs for Methodist, while Acosta and Kennedy both went 2-for-4. Lesley Hewitt picked up the victory in relief, recording seven strikeouts in five innings.

The Monarchs jumped out to a quick 6-0 lead in game two with four runs in the first and two in the second. Kennedy, Candace Hudgins, Sara Poling and Caryn Moreland each delivered RBI singles in the first, while Headen nailed an RBI double in the second and Kennedy added another RBI single.

The final three Monarch runs came in the sixth. Moreland drilled a two-run single, and Poling scored on a sacrifice fly by Lisa Jackson.

Six Methodist players recorded multi-hit games. Acosta led the way, going 4-for-5 with two runs scored and two stolen bases. Moreland went 3-for-4 with three RBIs, while Headen, Hudgins and Poling each had two hits. Jennifer Sorensen improved to 9-2 overall with the complete game victory, scattering six hits with nine strikeouts.

Methodist plays host to Staten Island in a single game on Thursday at 2:30 p.m. at Monarch Field.