The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
East Carolina*
UAB Softball Sweeps East Carolina
4/6/2003 12:00:00 AM | Softball
April 6, 2003
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.---The UAB softball team picked up its first three-game sweep as it defeated the East Carolina Pirates 5-2, in the final game, here Sunday.
"It's huge that we were able to sweep ECU, it gets us back in the conference standings where we need to be," said UAB head coach Marla Townsend. " It's must win time and we know what we need to work on."
The Blazers (21-20, 6-9 C-USA) jumped out to the early lead in the second inning when Kris Lara walked and advanced to second on a Cliffanie Engram sacrifice bunt. Lara scored when Amanda Ellis reached on an error by ECU short stop, Christine Seridan, giving UAB the 1-0 lead.
UAB added another run in the fourth inning when Cliffanie Engram lead off with a one-run shot over the left field wall, her third of the season, adding to the 2-0, Blazer lead.
The Blazers had a three-run fifth inning when Chelsea McCall, Candice Hithe and Sara Christophel all singled to load the bases. McCall and Hithe scored when Beth Mullins singled through the left side. Christophel then tagged up when Lara flied out to left field, giving UAB the 5-0 lead.
East Carolina (17-22, 1-11 C-USA) battled back in the sixth inning when Lacassa Hill walked and Kate Manuse doubled. Hill scored when Kristen Johnson notched her first single of the day, closing in on the 5-1, UAB lead.
The Pirates kept the momentum rolling in the seventh inning when Brandi Benedict reached on a UAB error and advanced to third when Stacey Smith doubled to left center field. Benedict scored when Christine Sheridan singled, bringing the score to 5-2.
The Blazers were able to hold off the Pirates for the next two outs, winning by the final score of 5-2.
Kelli Thompson picked up the win for the Blazers, improving her record to 9-7 on the season.
The Blazers hit the road on April 12 and April 13 to take on Houston in a three-game series. UAB continues its road trip to Stephen F. Austin on April 15 to play the Lady Jacks in doubleheader action.
