April 6, 2002

Release: Upon Receipt

FURMAN SOFTBALL DROPS DOUBLE HEADER TO CHATTANOOGA

Greenville, S.C.-- The Furman softball team dropped both games of the double header Saturday at Pepsi Stadium, as Chattanooga used strong pitching and late run support to pull off the victories 5-1, and 4-1

Chattanooga started their scoring in the second inning as Tara Garner singled home Jill Crawford to give the Mocs an early 1-0 lead. Scoring again in the top of the third off Furman starter Rachel Henley, Chattanooga increased their lead to 2-0. The Mocs did not score again until the top of the sixth when they struck relief pitcher Kristy Goodrich for three runs off two homers by Jada Pescatore and Paige Cochrane. The Southern Conference's leader in wins, Beth Alexander, pitched all seven innings for the complete game victory.

In the second game, pitching was once again the story as a battle ensued between Meagen Johnson of Furman and Chattanooga's Awbrey Winckler. Johnson allowed one run through the first seven innings, striking out six along the way. Meanwhile Winckler kept the Paladin bats in check holding Furman scoreless until the fourth and not allowing another run afterwards.

The game went into extra innings and Chattanooga found their bats in the eighth striking for three runs followed by Winckler closing out the Paladins for her tenth victory of the season.

For the year Furman falls to 15-13, and 7-4 in Southern Conference action, while Chattanooga improves to 25-10, and 8-1 in the conference.

Furman returns to action on Sunday when they host Chattanooga in the series finale at 1:00

For more information, contact: Teri Brinkman (864) 294-3065