Softball drops two one-run games

LAWRENCE, Kan. -- The EMU softball continued play in the 2006 Kansas Jayhawk Classic with a pair of one run losses. The Eagles dropped a 3-2 decision to Minnesota in extra innings and 1-0 loss to host Kansas Saturday at Arrocha Ballpark.

With the losses, the Eagles moved to 6-14 overall, while Kansas improves to 13-12 and Minnesota even its mark at 10-10.

Against the Gophers, EMU missed several scoring opportunities leaving 13 total runners on base. From the seventh inning on, the Eagles left seven runners stranded failing to bring home the winning run in each frame.

Senior designated player Nikki Denman (Toledo, Ohio-Sylvania Southview) and sophomore outfielder Heather Giroux (Clarkston, Mich.-Clarkston) each finished 2-for-4 at the plate, with Denman knocking in one of EMU’s runs. Sophomore first baseman Ashley Strauss (Trenton, Mich.-Trenton) drove in the Eagles’ other run.

Junior shortstop Lauren Clark (Flat Rock, Mich.-New Boston Huron) finished the game 0-for-4 snapping her hit streak at eight games. She also walked and scored a run.

With the Gophers leading 2-1 in the final inning, sophomore infielder Jessica Grant (Grand Rapids, Mich.-Forrest Hills Northern) had a pinch hit double. A Strauss single would bring the run home tying the game at 2-2.

A double in the ninth would give Minnesota a 3-2 advantage heading into the bottom half of the inning. The Eagles loaded the bases after two walks, including an intentional walk to Clark. However, a ground out would end the game.

For the second time in as many days EMU played a one-run game with Kansas, this time it was the Eagles on the losing end. The Green and White defeated KU 2-1, yesterday, March 10.

Junior pitcher Michelle Lloyd (Akron, Ohio-Archbishop Hoban) was on the losing end of a classic pitchers dual. Lloyd and KU’s Serena Settlemier combined to be virtually unhitable as each surrendered just two hits in the contest.

Settlemier took a no hitter into the fourth inning, until Clark singled with two outs. The Eagles other hit came in the fifth when junior outfielder Lindsay Schmid (Madison, Ohio-Madison) doubled to lead-off the inning.

Lloyd had a no hitter of her own until the fifth inning when a two-out double scored the game’s lone run.

EMU is in action again in the final day of competition at the Jayhawk Classic tomorrow, March 12, with a scheduled rematch with Portland State with first pitch set for 10 a.m. The Eagles fell to the Vikings 7-3, March 10.

Eastern Michigan Athletics

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