Tide Softball Splits with Georgia Tech in Home Finale
4/26/2003 12:00:00 AM | Softball
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The No. 17 ranked University of Alabama softball team (40-17) wrapped up its home schedule Saturday by splitting a double header with Georgia Tech (33-19) in a rematch from last season’s NCAA Regional. The Tide’s game one victory marked the fifth time in the seven year history of the program that Alabama has won 40 games.
All-American Jackie McClain got the Tide off to a quick start in game one by doubling off the leftfield wall to score Jackie Wilkins from first base and give Alabama a 1-0 first inning advantage.
The Tide struck again in the bottom of the third when McClain connected on her seventh homer of the season for a 2-0 Tide lead. Lacy Prejean followed McClain with a single and came home to score when freshman Staci Ramsey tripled to right field and put Alabama up 3-0.
The Yellow Jackets answered in the top of the sixth inning when All-American Tara Knudsen hit a two run homerun to right centerfield to bring Tech to within a run at 3-2.
That would be all the Georgia Tech offense could muster, however, as Alabama starter Stephanie VanBrakle held the Jackets scoreless the rest of the way giving the Tide the 3-2 victory.
VanBrakle improved to 14-4 for the season allowing only three hits in her ninth complete game. Erin Voeltz took the loss for Georgia Tech dropping her record to 12-5 for the season.
The Tide offense couldn’t get on track in the second game of the twinbill as the Yellow Jackets were able to salvage the split with a 2-1 victory. Georgia Tech starter Jessica Sallinger improved to 19-12, allowing only four Alabama hits in the complete game victory.
Alabama’s lone offensive highlight came in the bottom of the third inning when Ramsey continued her hot hitting for Alabama, driving home All-American Ashley Courtney with a double to left field.
Jen Wright took the loss for Alabama allowing two runs in four innings of work dropping her to 8-8 for the season.
Alabama closes out the regular season next weekend when the Tide travels to Athens to face No. 10 Georgia in an SEC showdown between the SEC’s division leaders. Game time for next Saturday’s doubleheader is set for 12:00 p.m. CST. Sunday’s season finale is set for 1:00 p.m. CST. All three games can be heard locally on 90.7 WVUA.
