Mercer University
Kennesaw St.
Mercer Softball Sweeps Kennesaw State, Clinches A-Sun Tournament Berth
4/30/2011 12:00:00 AM | Softball
MACON, Ga. – Mercer pitchers Kassie Bailey, Jenni Holtz and Kari Chambers allowed just eight hits in two games as the Mercer softball team swept Kennesaw State Saturday afternoon at Sikes Field. The Bears captured 2-1 and 1-0 victories, clinching a berth in the upcoming conference tournament.
With the wins, Mercer improved to 28-22 (10-10 A-Sun) while Kennesaw State dropped to 28-25 (10-10 A-Sun). Mercer's pair of victories slotted the team as the fifth seed in the conference tournament, set for May 11-14 in Spartanburg, S.C.
Senior Anna Johnson stole a base in both games, moving her season total to 27 stolen bases. Johnson's 27 steals established a new single season record, surpassing Kristi Hopkins' mark of 26 steals in 2000.
In game one, Bailey earned the start in the circle and scattered four hits over four innings of work. Bailey's effort included four strikeouts and secured her third win of the season.
Bailey also contributed offensively, slapping an RBI base hit in the fourth inning to give Mercer a 1-0 advantage. Moments later, junior Sara Stukes lifted an RBI single to center field for Mercer's second run.
After Bailey was lifted in the fourth, Holtz came on and held the Owls scoreless for the final three innings. Holtz was credited with the save and after yielding just two hits in the final three frames.
Game two was a scoreless affair until he fifth inning, when Stukes took Kennesaw State pitcher Amanda Henderson's 1-1 offering over the right field wall. Stukes' blast was her sixth of the season and matched her with teammate Randi Rhea for the team lead.
Chambers went the distance in game two, surrendering just three hits and six baserunners in seven innings. Chambers' win upped her record to 14-9 and was her 15th complete game performance.
Mercer concludes its regular season schedule with a non-conference doubleheader at Presbyterian on May 8. Game times are scheduled for 1 and 3 p.m.
