March 24, 2007
Box Score
BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. - Keri McKee and Klair Wells each delivered three hits, but a four-run second inning was too much for the Owls to overcome as Gardner-Webb defeated Kennesaw State, 5-3, in the second game of a doubleheader on Saturday afternoon at Varsity Field.
Kennesaw State (28-12, 2-2 A-Sun) took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning when Wells led off with a single and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Jamie KeKaualua. McKee drove in the first run of the game with a single to left field.
Gardner-Webb (23-16, 1-1 A-Sun) tied the game in their half if the first when Lindsey Whitfield lined to left field, scoring Melody Harrell from second base and knotting the game at 1-1.
The Bulldogs broke the game open in the second inning when they scored four runs off starter Missy Hobdy and reliever Janet Kearns. With one out, Jessi Williams walked and Kelly Linsley singled back to the circle chasing Hobdy.
The Owls southpaw left after allowing three earned runs on three hits in one and one-third innings of work. Kearns would one earned run and seven hits in her inning and two-thirds.
Kearns entered the game and gave up a single to Abbie Looper to load the bases. Jessi Polk reached on a fielder's choice and when Kearns' throw went wide of catcher Jenna Closner, the Bulldogs had a 3-1 lead. Gardner-Webb would add two more runs in the inning on a two-run single by Harrell.
The Owls got back in the game with a pair of runs in the top of the sixth inning. April Keasler tripled to right field to lead off the inning. Kelley Cowart then drove her home with a single to center field. An error by Bulldogs shortstop Lindsey Whitfield scored Kulk from second base to cut the lead to 5-3 but that was as close as Kennesaw State would get to Gardner-Webb.
Kennesaw State also had a rally in the fifth inning when they put a pair of runners on base after Wells and McKee both singled. However, with one-out, Jennifer Nolan hit into a double play to end the inning.
Norie Glazebrook pitched well in relief for Kennesaw State, allowing just one hit over the final three innings.
