College of Charleston
James Madison
Cougar Softball Drops Two to No. 7 James Madison
4/10/2016 12:29:00 AM | Softball
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.– Kelly Sinclair and Sara Garcia each recorded three hits, including two doubles apiece on the day, as the College of Charleston softball team dropped both of its games against No. 7 ranked James Madison, 7-1, and, 4-3, on Saturday.
The Cougars (23-17, 3-5) out-hit the Dukes in each game, and had their fair share of chances to upset James Madison (33-3, 8-0), including a 3-2 lead heading into the seventh inning of the second game, but ultimately could not overcome their Colonial Athletic Association rival.
“We had a lot of opportunities today that we simply didn't take advantage of, especially in that second game.” Head coach Linda Kalafatis said. “[James Madison] are a team full of tough competitors, and they showed why they're so highly thought of around the country.”
Game 1: James Madison 7, Charleston 1
The College scored its only run in the bottom of the seventh inning after Sara Garcia doubled to center field, and was brought home by a Kelly Sinclair double. Unfortunately, it was a case of too-little too-late for the Cougars, as James Madison had already accumulated a seven-run lead heading into that final inning, including four runs in the fourth.
Jordin Jones and Sara Garcia led all Charleston batters with two hits each. As a team, the Cougars tallied seven hits to the Duke's four, but they also struck out six times, and stranded eight runners. James Madison drew eight walks, which is a season-high allowed by The College.
Sydney Shipley got the start on the mound for Charleston, and tossed 3.1 innings before being supplanted by Valerie Cassell in the fourth. Cassell tossed 2.2 innings and struck out two batters while only allowing one hit, although she allowed three walks as well. Brittany Violette made her eighth appearance of the season in the seventh inning, and struck out two while allowing only one hit.
Game 2: James Madison 4, Charleston 3
The second game of the day saw an improved performance from Charleston, albeit a more subdued offensive game for both sides.
The College again out-hit James Madison, five hits to four, but CofC was plagued by inconsistent offense that allowed six runners to be stranded. CofC made its mark on the scoreboard in the bottom of the fifth, when with two outs and the bases loaded, Rebecca Mueller hit a deep fly ball that was dropped by the JMU outfielder. That error allowed all three Charleston runners to advance home, giving The College a 3-2 lead.
They would carry that lead into the seventh, when James Madison made its move. Their first runner made base due to a fielding error, and was subsequently brought home by a Taylor Newton double, and she advanced to third on the throw. Newton came home in the next at-bat due to a sacrifice fly by a Niki Prince, giving the Dukes a lead that they would carry through the finish.
Samantha Martin started on the mound for the College, and pitched her 12th complete game of the season. She struck out two, and allowed only four hits, although two of those were home runs in the second and fourth innings.
What's Up Next
The Cougars will look to rebound on Sunday, April 10, as they face James Madison for one more game that is slated to start at 12:30 p.m. at Patriots Point. Live stats for the game can be found at CofCStats.com, and additional information regarding the College of Charleston softball team can be found at CofCSports.com.
-www.CofCSports.com-
