Highlanders Swept by Flames

Game 1 Box
Game 2 Box

Radford, Va. – Radford's home finale was spoiled as Liberty University used a three-run seventh in game one to propel to sweep over the Highlanders in Big South Softball action from Dedmon Center Field. The Highlanders fall to 16-39 overall and 5-5 in the Big South, while the Lady Flames improve to 24-27 and 4-6.

Radford opened the scoring in game one with a pair of runs in the fourth. With one out and runners on first and second, Kelly Miles roped over the left fielders head to knock in Ashley Smith, who single to open the inning. Stephanie Adams would score on the play when Liberty's shortstop Mary Beth Kennell dropped the relay throw. Smith finished the game 2-for-3 with a run.

Liberty's bats came alive in the seventh as four consecutive singles to start the inning tied the game and Amanda Goc's two-out single drove in the game-winning run. Kennell, Amanda Maska and Tiffany Carp each had a pair of hits for the Flames in their 3-2 come-from-behind victory.

Deana Benner (8-11) took the loss in of relief starter Teresa Brewer, giving up a run on three hits and striking out two. Brewer went into the seventh, allowing two runs on eight hits and striking out two. Hurley (12-17) picked up the complete-game victory. She gave up an earned run on five hits, while striking out one and walking three.

In game two, Maska's solo home run to center in the third was all LU's Ali Thompson would need an they went on to a 3-0 win. Thompson (8-11) kept RU from getting going offensively as she scattered five and struck out six in her complete-game shutout. Brandy Winstead (5-12) suffered the loss allowing two run no three hits and striking out three in three innings.

The Highlanders are off until the Big South Tournament, which will begin on May 10 in Rock Hill, S.C. on the campus of Winthrop University.