LADY RAMS SWEPT IN OPENER
February 7, 2006

FORT WORTH, TX:  The 2006 softball season did not open quite they way the Texas Wesleyan Lady Rams wanted it to.  St. Edward’s University used two big innings and a perfect game from junior hurler Courtney Francis to sweep both ends of a doubleheader at Sycamore Park.  The Hilltoppers took game one 14-5 and game two 13-0.

In game one, St. Edward’s plated single runs in the first and second.  In the third, the Hilltoppers sent 13 hitters to the plate and scored 11 runs on five hits, four walks, and a hit batter.  The rally started when Lindsey Heye ripped a two-out solo homer to left.  Later in the inning, Melissa McSheffery hit a grand slam over the right field wall.

Texas Wesleyan got on the board with a two-RBI single from Elizabeth Brady in the fourth inning.  After St. Edward’s scored another run in the top of the fifth, the Lady Rams plated three more with a bases clearing single from Rachel Hampton.

Robin Becker earned the win, working three innings and allowing no runs on just two hits.  Marie Stone was tagged with the loss after allowing six runs (four earned) on five hits in 2.2 innings of work.

Game two was a classic pitcher’s duel through five innings.  Texas Wesleyan’s Devin Blew allowed just one run on four hits in her first five innings.  Meanwhile, the Hilltoppers’ Courtney Francis did not allow a single base runner.

In the top of the fifth, the Hilltoppers sent 13 hitters to the plate and scored nine runs on nine hits and an error.  The inning was highlighted by Heye’s second home run of the day, this time a two-run shot to left center.

In the bottom of the sixth, Courtney worked a one-two-three frame to complete the perfect game.  Courtney blanked the Rams while striking out seven.  Devin Blew took the loss after allowing nine runs (four earned) on 11 hits in 5.2 innings of work.

The Lady Rams will return to action on Saturday, February 18, when they host Central Christian College.  Game one of that doubleheader is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m. in Sycamore Park.