Lady Trojans’ softball claims GSU Invitational

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, February 26, 2002

STATEBORO, Ga. –

The Troy State softball team wrapped up its sweep through the Georgia Southern Invitational by beating Georgia Southern in the tournament title game, 6-2, on Sunday afternoon.

"This was a great weekend for our team," said Troy State head coach Melanie Davis. "We had a lot of different people step up and make plays when we needed them. We’re still trying to get a feel for our team, but we are making strides in the right direction."

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The Lady Trojans (14-4) won all six games during the weekend. TSU started off 4-0 in pool play after defeating Charleston Southern and Delaware State on Saturday afternoon. Troy State would defeat Delaware State again in the semifinals before taking out GSU in the championship.

Jenny Boyd’s double with two outs in the seventh lifted TSU to a 3-2 win over Charleston Southern to start Saturday’s action. Boyd’s double drove home Peggy Swift, who had reached on an error.

Christi Curran picked up the win in relief of Ashley Floyd. Curran (4-1) pitched two scoreless innings, allowing just one hit while striking out two.

The Lady Trojans ended Saturday’s play by demolishing Delaware State, 12-0, in five innings.

Tamra Howren and Bonnie Belin led the TSU attack with two hits apiece. Howren drove in three runs on her third home run of the season in the first inning. Belin would drive in two runs on her first homer of the season in third inning. Lori Westberg also drove in two runs.

The offense racked 14 hits on the game between 12 different players while setting a new season high for runs in a game.

Cassie Wilkenson allowed one hit over three innings while striking out one to improve her record to 4-1 on the year.

Troy State had to turn around and play Delaware State again on Sunday morning, with the Lady Trojans prevailing, 8-0, in five innings.

Belin and Howren once again led the TSU offense. Belin went 2-for-2 with two runs scored and two RBIs as she hit her second home run of the season, a two-run shot in the first inning. Howren was 2-for-3 with two runs scored and two RBIs, including a RBI double in the fourth.

Wilkenson picked up the win, allowing just two hits over five innings while striking out one to raise her record to 5-1.

The win setup a rematch with Georgia Southern, who was seeking revenge from TSU’s 1-0 win in a dual no-hitter on Friday.

The Eagles couldn’t get off the ground as the Lady Trojans pounded out 11 hits on their way to a 6-2 win and the tournament title.

Belin led the Lady Trojans, going 4-for-4 with a run scored to lead TSU. Mindy Porep went 3-for-4 with a run scored.

Floyd picked up her second win of the tournament, allowing just five hits and two run over five innings while striking out three.

The Lady Trojans are back in action again on Tuesday as they travel to face SEC foe, Auburn. First pitch is set for 5 p.m.