May 5, 2002

Box Score

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Charlotte 49ers softball team wrapped up their 2002 season Sunday, splitting wins with traditional Conference USA power Southern Miss. The 49ers earned the win in game one, 1-0, then saw a late rally come up short in game two and fell, 9-6.

Betsy Thompson held the opposition in check for Charlotte (24-27, 6-15 C-USA) in the first game, pitching seven innings with five strikeouts. She allowed just two hits in the win, improving to 12-12 for the year. Nora Petrie provided the 49ers will all the offense they needed, delivering a single to right field in the fourth that drove in Leah Heston for the game's only run. Felicia Gonzales pitched a strong game for Southern Miss (26-33, 15-8 C-USA), striking out 10 in six innings, but took the loss and dropped to 7-13 on the season. The win is the team's 24th of the season, their most since 1997.

In game two, senior Leah Heston provided the 49ers with the highlight of the day, blasting a home run to left center in her final collegiate at bat. It was her seventh long ball of the season, tying her with fellow senior Stephanie Dunlap for first in the school's single-season record book. Heston's home run capped a Niners rally, where the team battled back from an 8-0 deficit. The Golden Eagles built their lead with runs in each of the first four innings. Jessica Holaway picked up the win for Southern Miss, upping her record to 13-12. Amy Morse took the loss for Charlotte and fell to 8-10. Heston and Dunlap joined Kiley Scott and Kristin White in playing their final game for the 49ers on Sunday.