Cobras Top Crusaders in Double-Header

HARTSVILLE, S.C. -  The Coker softball team landed two more conference wins on Tuesday (Mar. 5) after defeating the North Greenville Crusaders in a double header.  With the win the Cobras improve to 8-4 on the year, and 4-0 in Conference Carolinas play.

Game one proved to be a defensive battle, as both teams were scoreless through five innings.  Ashley Gallman and Katelyn Szupello reached safely for the Cobras in the bottom of the sixth to put Coker in scoring position.  A sacrifice bunt by Breanna Skipper then pushed the runners up to second and third with only one out.  Sara Rountree then stepped up to the plate and singled to the shortstop, and drove in the game winning RBI.

Coker would then collect three outs in the top of the seventh inning, and preserve the 1-0 win.  

Lauren Phillips would claim the win to go to 4-2 on the year.  Phillips pitched a complete game only giving up six hits while striking out five batters.

In game two of the double-header, Coker took an early 3-0 in the bottom of the third.  Sarah Rountree put the first run on the scoreboard thanks to a sacrifice fly from Sydney Weatherford.  After Clarissa Suttle reached first base safely, Jaclin Poole doubled to left-center driving in the Suttle.  As North Greenville attempted to throw Suttle out at the plate, Poole swiftly advance around third base and slid into home for the third run of the inning. 

North Greenville would respond with one run in the top of the fourth, and another run in the top of the sixth.  Coker took a slight 3-2 lead over the Crusaders heading into the top of the seventh, but thanks to a one, two, three inning from the Cobra defense, the navy and yellow would earn their second win of the day.

Breanna Skipper would be credited with the win after pitching five innings and giving up two runs on six hits, with five strikeouts.  Skipper improves to 4-1 on the year. 

Coker will have little time to enjoy the victories, as they prepare to face West Liberty on Thursday (Mar. 7).  The first game is scheduled to start at 1:00 p.m., followed by the second game at 3:00 p.m. 

McDonalds Player of the Game:  Jaclin Poole.