CHARLOTTE, N.C. – UNCG got another two-hit game from redshirt senior Kaitlin Merkt and used a four-run sixth inning to down Eastern Kentucky 5-2 in the title game of the First Pitch Classic on Sunday.
The Spartans (6-4) went 4-1 over the course of the three-day tournament in taking the title. It was UNCG's first tournament title under coach Jennifer Herzig and came at Herzig's alma mater, Charlotte, which hosted the tourney.
The game was tied at 1 entering the bottom of the sixth but UNCG was about to take control. Senior Kristen Gabel and freshman Aisha Figueroa led off the inning with consecutive singles, and April Langley reached on an error to load the bases. Alex Emeterio and Merkt followed with consecutive RBI singles, while freshman Katelyn Bedwell lifted a sacrifice fly to right to knock in the third run of the inning. Emeterio was also able to score on the play, making it a 5-1 game heading into the seventh.
The Colonels (2-3) got a run back in the seventh, as Cheyanne Pounds knocked in Shannon McQueen with one out. UNCG starter Cory Mattson got the final two outs, however, locking up her second win of the season.
EKU jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first, as Diane Gallagher led off the game with a single and stole second. Cassi Gibson followed with a single of her own to bring in Gallagher with the first run of the game.
UNCG answered with a run in the second, with Heather Robb's double scoring Merkt, who led off the frame with a single.
Mattson (2-3) allowed two runs (one earned) on just four hits and three walks in 7 innings.
Kristin Perry (1-1) took the loss for the Colonels, allowing five runs (four earned) on six hits in 5 innings.
Merkt is off to a phenomenal start to the season, as she is 14-for-29 (.483) with six multi-hit games in UNCG's first 10 contests of the season. She was 7-for-14 at the First Pitch Classic.
UNCG returns to action next weekend when it hosts its annual Spartan Classic from Feb. 25-27. Kansas, Minnesota and Morehead State will join the Spartans in the four-team field.
AGATE
UNCG 5, Eastern Kentucky 2 (Feb 20, 2011 at Charlotte, N.C.)
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Eastern Kentucky.... 100 000 1 - 2 4 1 (2-3)
UNCG................ 010 004 X - 5 6 3 (6-4)
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Pitchers: Eastern Kentucky - PERRY, Kristin; DRIVER, Hannah(6). UNCG - Cory Mattson.
Win-Cory Mattson(2-3) Loss-PERRY, Kristin(1-1) T-1:35 A-0
Weather: 60 Degrees, Clear Skies
PERRY, K. faced 5 batters in the 6th.
- UNCG -
