March 25, 2006
Box Score
Cullowhee, N.C. -- Ashley Adams collected two hits, including a home run, and three runs batted in, and Mandy McKenzie earn the win for Western Carolina, throwing a complete game and allowing just one run on three hits as the Catamounts downed Furman 5-1 on Saturday afternoon. With the win, Western Carolina improves to 20-10 overall, 1-0 in the Southern Conference. Furman falls to 18-18 on the season, 2-2 in conference play.
Game Two of the doubleheader was extended to extra innings, however, the game was halted in the top of the eighth before Furman came to bat as wind, cold, and snowy conditions made it hazardous to continue play. The second game of the three-game set will be completed at 1:00 pm on Sunday with the score tied 8-8 and the Lady Paladins coming to the plate. The third and final game of the series will be played 30 minutes after the conclusion of the halted contest.
McKenzie struck out nine batters, and walked just one. Vanessa Williams suffered the loss for Furman pitching just two-thirds of an inning, and allowing three runs on four hits.
Furman got on the board in the top half of the first inning. Amber Kiser singled through the left side, and then moved to third base when Stephanie Cushing reached on an error. Megan Jaudon singled up the middle to plate Kiser, and give the Lady Paladins a 1-0 lead.
The Catamounts took the lead for good with three runs in the bottom of the first inning. Allyson McCubbins doubled to left-center field, and advanced to third on a passed ball. Then, with two outs in the inning, Ashley Adams singled up the middle to score McCubbins. Jenny Jackson drew a walk, and Lauren Ross singled to load the bases. Heather Pritchard walked, and Nikki Bost singled to plate the final two runs of the inning.
Western Carolina added two insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth inning on an Adams two-run homer to left-center field.
The two teams will meet again on Sunday afternoon with the conclusion of Game Two beginning at 1 p.m. with the scored tied 8-8 in the top of the eighth inning. The series finale will begin 30 minutes following the conclusion of Game Two.
