Carson-Newman Knocked Out Of Softball Tournament

COLUMBUS, Ga. - The Georgia College and State softball team (35-20) took advantage of four walks and three Carson-Newman College (35-16) errors to score 10 runs on just five hits in a 10-1 win Saturday at the Division II Softball South Atlantic Regional Tournament, hosted by Columbus State University.

A grand slam and a three-run blast helped the Lady Bobcats knock Carson-Newman from the tournament in a run-shortened five innings.

The Lady Bobcats got the scoring started early, when after a single by Deidra Baitey and a fielding error put Allison Schwimer on first, third baseman Keidra Baitey took a 1-2 pitch and blasted it to dead center. The end of the first inning came with a 3-0 GCSU lead after the 15th home run of the season for the third baseman.

Schwimer led off the third with a bunt single, stole second and was sacrificed to third. She would then score on an error off the bat of Keidra Baitey.

An illegal pitch gave the Eagles their first run in the third. Second baseman Whitney Hickam ripped her second ground-rule double of the contest to lead off the inning. She took third on fielder's interference and then scored on GCSU pitcher Mandy Chandler's illegal offering.

A bases-loaded walk and an ensuing sacrifice fly from pinch hitter Casey Allen scored added two runs in the fourth prior to a grand slam by designated player Jordan Tharp. The Lady Bobcats ended the fourth with a 10-1 advantage.

Schwimer and Keidra Baitey each scored two runs with just one hit apiece. The latter of the two finished 1-for-2 with three RBI to go with the two runs. Hickam finished 2-for-2 with a run scored for the Eagles.

Chandler (22-11) went the distance with three hits, allowing one earned run and fanning seven. CNC starter Stephanie Templeton (20-7) allowed 10 runs over her four innings, but just three were earned.

The Lady Bobcats will face the winner of today's 1:30 p.m. game between No. 18 USC Upstate and Augusta State University. GCSU will face the victor at 7 p.m. tonight. Carson-Newman ends a successful season with a 35-16 record.