March 29, 2003
FURMAN RALLIES FROM 4-0 DEFICIT, DOWNS COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON 7-4
GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Caroline Evans' three-run double with two outs in the bottom of the sixth capped a five-run inning, and lifted the Lady Paladins to a 7-4 win over the College of Charleston Sunday afternoon at Pepsi Stadium. The win snapped the Cougars 16-game win streak.
Trailing 4-0 after three and a half innings, Furman mounted a comeback in the bottom of the fourth. Sarah Scott's double to center with one out scored Jessica Matthews and pinch runner Kristen Arnold to cut the College of Charleston lead in half.
In the sixth, Matthews drew a one out walk and stole second. After Kristen White pinch ran for Matthews, Scott walked to gave Furman runners at first and second with one out. Kelli Leachman loaded the bases with a single to center chasing CofC starter Rachael Stern.
Karissa King entered the game as a pinch runner for Leachman and Carla Shepherd replaced Stern on the mound. Shepherd hit Joni Lockridge with a pitch forcing in White from third to cut the lead to 4-3.
Natalie Smith entered the game to pitch for the Cougars. Smith got pinch hitter JoDee Eichelberger to ground back to the mound, but after Smith forced out the runner at home plate, catcher Katie Scott's throw to first hit Eichelberger allowing King to score.
After an intentional walk was issued to Meagen Johnson, Evans delivered the bases clearing double to give Furman a 7-4 lead.
Pitcher Rachel Henley (6-6) retired the Cougars in the top of the seventh to pick up the win. The Kingston, Tenn., native surrendered just two hits in 3.1 innings of relief.
Shepherd was saddled with the loss after Lockridge, the only batter she faced, scored the winning run.
Seven Lady Paladins collected a hit in the victory, while Keyta Lawson paced the College of Charleston (26-5, 5-1) with a 2-for-3 outing.
Furman, 14-15 overall and 3-3 in the Southern Conference, returns to action Wednesday when it travels to Appalachian State for a 2 p.m. doubleheader.