April 23, 2003

Box Score

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - After dropping the first game, the Charlotte 49ers softball team bounced back to win game two, splitting a doubleheader with Winthrop, Wednesday afternoon at the Phillips Sports Complex. Both games were shutouts. The Eagles won game one, 2-0, while the 49ers took game two, 3-0.

In the second game, Charlotte (14-28) got on the board in the fourth inning, taking advantage of several miscues by Winthrop (22-26). Sam Moore reached base on a walk, then advanced to second on a pass ball. Melanie Thevenote's single to center moved her over the third, where she scored on a wild pitch. The 49ers added two more in the fifth, when Laurie Roycroft and Lynne LaPorte each scored. Shannon Carson went the distance, striking out five, to improve to 3-5 this season. Shahna Ashard suffered the loss, and fell to 6-15.

The first game went the Eagle's way. In the second inning, Katie Kipicz gave Winthrop a 1-0 lead, coming home when the 49ers' Amy Morse walked Lindsey Merriman with the bases loaded. The Eagles picked up and insurance run the very next inning. Ashard drove in Sarah Bargeron with a fielder's choice. Kelli Johnson held Charlotte to three hits, improving to 16-11 with the win. Morse took the loss and fell to 4-15.

The Niners return to action Saturday, when they close the regular-season with a three-game series against UAB. The teams will play a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at 1:00. Between games, the 49ers will honor Morse, Thevenote, Betsy Thompson and Dana Bowers, who will be taking part in the their final home games. Admission is free.