Lady Saints Softball Wrap Up 3-23

03/23/07

SCC Lady Saints v. Wabash Valley, 3/13/07

The Lady Saints returned from Myrtle Beach ready to get the rest of the season underway hosting Wabash Valley on March 13.  Wabash came to Koch Field with their high powered offense geared up and ready to go. The Lady Saints struggled in the opening game falling by a score of 0-7.  The Lady Saints were led offensively by Jessica Pickard who went 2-3. Leslie Huffman and Ashley Simmons were each 1-3. 

Whitney Patterson pitched 7 innings allowing 7 runs on 7 hits while striking out 3 and walking 2. In game 2 the Lady Saints started off well, only to find Wabash come storming back to take the game 3-11. Offensively Leslie Huffman, Ashley Simmons and Lindsay Wagganer were each 1-3.  Jenni Kemp pitched 6 innings allowing 11 runs on 14 hits while striking out 4 and walking 1.“Wabash Valley is a very talented team. They have great upperclassmen leadership and are very well coached. Paul (Schnarre) always provides a great challenge with his team and anyone they face. It is a good measuring stick for us. When you watch them play you understand why they are Division I National Tournament contenders year in and year out.”
 
Lady Saints travel to Springfield to Face Lincoln Land and Springfield College of Illinois, 3/17/2007 and 3/18/2007

The Lady Saints kicked off conference play this weekend traveling to face Lincoln Land CC and Springfield College of Illinois.  The Lady Saints returned home with a record of 3-1 for the weekend. In the opening game vs. Lincoln Land, the Lady Loggers threw their ace, Rachel Smith. She stifled the bats of the Lady Saints who only managed to pound out 2 hits.  The Loggers went on to win the game 6-0.  “Our defense was the only thing this game that was continuing to give us a chance.  Our offense struggled this game, coach Kim Palmer.” Lady Saints were able to bounce back in the second game posting a 5-2 win. The bats finally came to life with 9 hits.  Candice Cullum, Ambur Frizzel were each 2-3 with 1 RBI apiece and Ashley Simmons was 2-4.  Jenni Kemp had a productive outing pitching 7 innings allowing 2 runs on 7 hits and 6 strikeouts. “We came out sluggish in the first game.  erhaps it was due to the trip to Springfield early this morning but that still does not excuse our lack of execution. I was very pleased to see how they responded and bounced back in the second game.  To come away with a split against Lincoln Land is not too bad. Rachel Smith is one of the top pitchers in the conference and region and she is very smart. She definitely had our number today so hopefully the next time we see her we will be ready,” added Palmer. 

In the second conference contest of the season the Lady Saints face the Bulldogs of Springfield College of Illinois. The Lady Saints continued to hit the ball well as they pounded out 15 hits in the game 1 victory by the score of 12-0. Whitney Patterson picked up the victory throwing 5 innings allowing only 3 hits.

In game 2 the Lady Saints picked up the victory by the score of 9-1.  Once again the Lady Saints executed well offensively acquiring 9 hits, 5 of which were extra base hits. Jenni Kemp picked up the win allowing 1 run over 5 innings on 4 hits and tallied 7 strikeouts. Ashley Simmons had a career day going a combined 6-7 with 2 doubles 2 triples and 4 RBI.  Alexis Almaroad was 3-4 with a double and 2 RBIs.  Leslie Huffman was 2-6, with a triple and 4 RBIs. “Offensively we sprayed the ball all over the field.  We played very solid on defense and our pitching was strong.  If we can continue to put performances like this together we have the potential to do well within conference,” said Palmer.
The Lady Saints improved to 7-7 on the season.