March 15, 2008
#22 Methodist Rallies for 9-2 Win Over Eastern Mennonite
Sophomore Crystal Metzger records first RBI to the game at one

SALEM, VA - The #22 Methodist softball team traveled to Salem, Virginia this weekend to compete in the Ferrum Invitational. The Monarchs won their first game 9-2 over Eastern Mennonite before their second game was postponed due to inclement weather. The Monarchs move to 13-4 overall this season.

Eastern Mennonite started things off with a 1-0 lead in the first inning after a solo home run. The Monarchs' defense turned a double play to end the inning and give the Monarchs a chance to counter. The second inning went scoreless, but freshman Tabatha Stephenson led off the third with a single off the glove of the second baseman. Senior Rebekah Kelly laid down the sacrifice bunt for Stephenson to advance and sophomore Crystal Metzger singled to center field for Stephenson to score.

The Royals added their second run in the bottom of the third inning on a double in the gap but Methodist took the lead with a huge rally in the fifth inning. Stephenson led off again with a single up the middle. Kelly lined out to right field, but sophomore Megan Hutson singled up the middle and Metzger singled through the left side of the infield to load the bases. Freshman Jody Eyler hit one back to the Royals' pitcher that she was able to make the play at home but junior Kayla Talbert drove one to right center for Hutson and Metzger to score. Junior Sara Poling hit one through the left side to load the bases again and freshman Kayla McLean drew the walk to score pinch runner Courtney Blann. Freshman Darci Martin finds a hole through the infield for Talbert to score and Stephenson came back to the plate to double to left center for pinch runners Brittany Melton and Megan Ondrey to score. Kelly singled to score the Monarchs' final two runs for the 9-2 win.

Junior Lesley Hewitt went six innings in the circle for the win while freshman Hannah Stutts pitched the final two innings of relief.

The Monarchs game against Peace has been moved to Sunday at 9 am while their game against Ohio Northern has been pushed back to 1 pm. Based on pool play, they will play a final game at 3 pm or 5 pm.