February 26, 2003
FURMAN COMES UP SHORT AT FIU, 4-1
GREENVILLE, South Carolina -- Jennifer Owens went 3-for-4 with a double and two RBI to lead the Florida International Golden Panthers to a 4-1 victory over Furman Wednesday evening in Miami, Fla.
FIU's Kendra Laminack (1-5) went the first five innings, striking out five and allowing just an infield single in gaining her first victory of the season. Nicole Barrett picked up her third save of the year pitching the final two innings of relief.
The Golden Panthers took a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning without benefit of a base hit. Lindsay Tippings and Heather Taylor both walked then moved up one base on a wild pitch charged against Furman starting pitcher Meagen Johnson (1-2). With one out, Meagan Dontrich grounded out to third, scoring Tippings.
Furman broke up Laminack's no-hit bid in the top of the fifth inning on a two out, infield single by Ali McNulty. However, pinch runner Kristen White was left stranded at second after a Jessica Griffin ground out.
FIU broke open the tight pitchers’ dual in the sixth inning, scoring three times against Lady Paladin reliever Tabitha Dease. After two quick outs, a walk, base hit and two stolen bases set up Nicole Dubovik for an RBI bunt single. After Dubovik stole second base, Owens delivered a two-run single giving the Golden Panthers a 4-0 advantage.
Furman finally cracked the scoreboard in the seventh inning. Johnson touched Barrett for a double off the left field fence, advanced to third on a ground out and scored on a sacrifice fly by McNulty.
Johnson took the loss for Furman despite allowing only one run and striking out five over five innings.
The Lady Paladins continue play in Miami when they take part in the Coca-Cola Golden Panther Invitational Friday through Sunday at FIU.