March 28, 2006
Monarchs sneak past Angels
Kelly, Jackson, and Kennedy get three hits each

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The Methodist softball team survived a pesky Meredith College team to record yet another double-header sweep.  Methodist came from behind to win the first game 3-2 and held on to win the second game 5-3.  The two wins improve the Monarchs record to 28-6.

Methodist starter Jennifer Sorenson was cruising in game one taking a 1-0 lead into the sixth inning.  Charlotte Fetterman singled to lead off the Meredith sixth.  Erica Elliot then laid down a sacrifice bunt that Monarch catcher Lisa Jackson threw all the way to the right-center field fence scoring Fetterman and allowing Elliot to get all the way to third base.  Ensuing batter Amber Littesy again laid down a sacrifice bunt that pitcher Sorenson threw away at first base, scoring Elliot, and Meredith led 2-1.

Veterans Sorenson and Jackson were not about to let their throwing errors give Meredith the upset win.  Sorenson pitched out of the jam in the sixth and Jackson would have her revenge at the plate.

In the bottom of the sixth, T.T. Headen singled and Candace Hudgins reached on an error setting the scene for Jackson.  She responded with a double over the left fielders head scoring Headen.  Nicole McLaughlin, on to run for Hudgins, also tried to score on the double, but was thrown out at home.

After Sorenson shut down the Angels in the seventh, the Monarchs came to the plate to win the game in the home half of the seventh.  After a leadoff groundout, Rebekah Kelly walked and stole second base.  Amy Faucette then landed a double down the right field line to score Kelly and win the game.

Headen and Jackson had two hits a piece for the Monarchs.  Sorenson pitched the complete game, surrendering only five hits, two unearned runs, walking no one, and recording seven strikeouts.  

In the nightcap, starter Lesley Hewitt got the win as Methodist jumped out to a 5-1 lead.  Rebekah Kelly and Kristen Kennedy each went 3-3 for the Monarchs.

Methodist survived a late rally by Meredith, who left runners on base in each of their last three innings.

Methodist travels to Greensboro on Saturday at 1 pm.