Alabama Softball Eliminated by LSU from SEC Tournament
5/20/2002 12:00:00 AM | Softball
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CHATTANOOGA, TN—The 2002 Southeastern Conference Tournament came to an end for the No. 18 ranked University of Alabama softball team (46-19) as they dropped a 6-2 decision to the No. 3 ranked LSU Tigers (52-9).
For the fourth consecutive game in the tournament, Alabama jumped on top in the first inning. Jackie Wilkins led off with a single but was forced out at second on Suzanne Olcott fielder’s choice. Jackie McClain drew a walk and Ashley Courtney singled to centerfield that scored Olcott from second for a 1-0 Alabama lead.
LSU claimed the lead in the top of the fifth inning scoring six runs on six hits including a three-run double off the bat of first baseman Christy Conner and a two-run home run from Tessa Lynam for a 6-1 lead.
Ashley Courtney brought Alabama to within four runs as she took a first pitch and hit her third career home run halfway up the bleachers beyond the rightfield fence for a 6-2 score.
Shelley Laird took the loss for Alabama dropping her record 24-11 on the season. Jennifer Wright came on in relief of Laird in the sixth inning and pitched the final two innings allowing only one hit while striking out four batters.
Courtney finished the tournament with a .545 average including a home run, double, three runs scored and three RBI. McClain was another offensive catalyst for the Tide hitting .364 with a home run, two doubles and six RBI.
Alabama must now await its fate in the 2002 NCAA Championships as the team will learn where they will be playing next. The 2002 NCAA Softball Selection show will air live on ESPNEWS at 8:00 p.m. CT.
