March 29, 2002

FURMAN SOFTBALL SPLITS TWIN BILL WITH APPALACHIAN STATE

Greenville, S.C.-- The Furman softball team split a hard fought doubleheader on Friday with Southern Conference foe Appalachian State at Pepsi Stadium as the Lady Paladins returned home for an Easter weekend series. Furman took the first game 5-1, behind a dominating pitching performance by Rachel Henley. Appalachian State took the second game 5-1 in nine innings, behind a similarly dominating performance by Jordan Arnold.

Furman began the doubleheader by giving up Appalachian State's only run of the game in the second inning on a double by the Mountaineer's Christa Hicks. Furman's freshman pitcher Rachel Henley then took over the game, not allowing another hit until the top of the fifth inning.

Furman's offense came to life in the bottom half of the third inning as junior Ali McNulty doubled with the bases loaded driving in Melissa Hutton and Krisitin White.

Furman wrapped up its scoring in the first game in the bottom half of the fifth as left fielder Kristin White scored on a fielder's choice. Kate Morrison then singled, driving in LaKerah Barr. Freshman catcher Jessica Matthews ended the Paladins' offensive tally by driving in Morrison on a single to left.

Henley's pitching performance finished game one from there striking out two, while allowing one earned run in a seven inning complete game performance.

Appalachian State's Jordan Arnold pitched her way over Furman in game two as she allowed only six hits in nine innings while striking out six. Appalachian State loaded the bases in the top of the ninth and a throwing error by second baseman JoDee Eichelberger brought home three runs. A second error by Eichelberger brought home the fifth and final run as Arnold comleted the game for her third victory of the season

Furman returns to action tomorrow as they host Appalachian State for the series finale. Game time has been moved to noon due to threatening weather conditions.