March 28, 2005

For More Information, Contact: Keith Gentry (901) 333-4114 / Kimberly Stark (901) 333-4023/ (901) 489-4771

SOUTHWEST SOFTBALL TEAM DEFEATS THREE RIVERS IN TIGER FEST TOURNAMENT
Written by Keith Gentry

The Southwest softball team won one of four games over the weekend in the Northeast Tiger Fest Tournament in Booneville, Mississippi. The Lady Saluqis defeated Three Rivers and lost to Northeast Mississippi, Gulf Coast, and Pearl River. Southwest’s record now stands at 7-17 overall.

In the first of three games on Friday, the Lady Saluqis lost to the host team, Northeast Mississippi, by a score of 6-4. Chrissy Odom went 3 for 3 for Southwest, and hit the first home run of her career. Also with multiple hits for Southwest was Tiffany Bright, who went 2 for 3. The Lady Saluqis lost in the second round to Gulf Coast 9-2. Southwest scored both of its runs in the third inning on consecutive singles by Erin Cook, Chrissy Odom, Crystal Smith, and Erica Brich (2 RBI).

The Lady Saluqis defeated Three Rivers 4-3 in the final game of the day. Southwest fell behind 3-0 after two innings, but came back to score two runs in the fourth. Jennifer Davenport led off with a walk and advanced to third on a double by Christi Morrison. Davenport then scored the Lady Saluqis’ first run on a base hit by Ginny Galloway, and Erin Cook singled to drive in Morrison to trim the Three Rivers’ lead to one run at 3-2. In the bottom of the sixth inning, with the time limit expired, Morrison led off with a walk then scored on Galloway’s double to tie the game at 3-all. Galloway advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Jessica Brinson and later scored the game-winning run on a passed ball. Erica Brich was the winning pitcher, allowing two hits and striking out five batters in three innings.

In the Lady Saluqis’ final game of the tournament on Saturday morning, Southwest was defeated by Pearl River 4-1. Chrissy Odom continued her hot hitting with a triple in the fourth inning, and scored the Lady Saluqis’ only run on a wild pitch. The only Southwest player with multiple hits was Heather Bryant, who had two singles.

The Lady Saluqis return home to the Appling Complex this week with doubleheaders on Wednesday and Thursday. On Wednesday, March 30, Southwest hosts Northeast Mississippi at 2 p.m. and on Thursday, March 31 the Lady Saluqis will play Northwest Mississippi at 3 p.m.