April 11, 2008
Box Score
Charlotte, NC - The Fayetteville State University softball team split a doubleheader with CIAA Western Division foe Johnson C. Smith University on Friday evening at Biddleville Park. The Lady Golden Bulls snatched the first game 6-0, but FSU battled back in the second game and took home a 7-5 win. JCSU would hold the advantage in case of a tie and wins the divisional title; even though the Lady Broncos have two western division games to play.
Johnson C. Smith exploded offensively on the Lady Broncos, scoring four runs off five hits in the first inning. Meanwhile, FSU struggled to find their offense, facing three-in and three-out situations for the first three innings of the contest. Allycia Watanabe nearly pitched a perfect game for the Lady Golden Bulls. The perfect game came to a close off an error by the third baseman and a single down the left field line by freshman Alicia Frank in the fourth inning. Frank's single was the only hit for the Lady Broncos in game one, as Watanabe ended the game with 10 strike outs, no walks or runs, and only giving up one hit.
Fayetteville State got their offense going early in game two. The Lady Broncos struck first on the scoreboard with two runs in the second inning. Sophomore Bobbi Boucher doubled to left field, which brought home senior Shatia Gidrey and freshman Rahkee Smith for scores.
JCSU was scoreless until the fourth. The Lady Golden Bulls broke loose in the fourth with a four run inning to take the lead. FSU responded with four runs of their own in the fifth. Sophomore outfielder Donieca Ebron tripled to right center, followed by an error by JCSU's pitcher. Junior centerfielder Dominique Mills reached base off the pitcher's error and Ebron scored the run. Rakhee Smith earned two RBIs off a double to left field, allowing Alicia Frank and senior Aja Sawyer to cross home plate.
Neither team scored in the sixth. The Lady Broncos scored and allowed one additional run in the seventh. Frank was credited with her 14th victory of the season. Fayetteville State is now 14-12 overall, 11-3 in the CIAA, and 5-1 in their division.
FSU returns home for the next three doubleheaders. On Saturday, April 12th the Lady Broncos will face St. Andrews Presbyterian College at 1pm from Seabrook Park. Conference competition follows with Virginia Union University on April 13th and Livingstone College on April 14th.
