Campbell Softball Splits Conference Doubleheader at Mercer

MACON, Ga. - The Campbell University softball team (26-31, 5-11) fell into a three-way tie for seventh place, one spot out of qualifying for the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament, with a double header split at Mercer (21-28, 5-11), Friday.
Campbell won the first game at Bear Field, 4-1.
Campbell got on the board first in the third inning when lead-off hitter Jessica Waters reached base on a fielder's choice. Waters advanced to second on a single from designated player Leslie Standiford and scored when Bears' third baseman Crystal Pardue committed a throwing error while trying to get Shannon O'Bryan out at first. Both Standiford and O'Bryan were stranded, but Campbell led 1-0.
Mercer answered in the bottom of the fourth when Bears' second baseman Nikki Bowey reached on a fielder's choice. She advanced to second on a Holly Harris wild pitch and scored when Amy Parbon singled, tying the game at one.
Campbell scored the deciding run in the sixth inning when O'Bryan singled. The Louisville, Kent. native advanced all the way to third on a throwing error by the catcher and scored when Brooke Osterhage laid down a bunt. Harris reached on a fielder's choice that did not get either runner, then stole second while Osterhage scored the Camels' third run of the day.
Shortstop Lisa Evans added an insurance run in the seventh when she hit her fifth home run of the season to make it 4-1 Campbell.
Harris picked up her 11^th win of the season (11-7), pitching a complete game and striking out nine while walking none. She gave up just one earned run on five hits. Kristi Montgomery suffered the loss for the Bears, allowing four runs, one earned, on seven hits. Montgomery fanned six and walked none in her 13^th loss of the season (7-13).
The second game was a low-scoring affair. Campbell again got on the board first when Waters singled with one out in the third inning. She advanced to second on a passed ball and scored when O'Bryan hit her 12^th double of the season.
The Bears sixth started with consecutive singles by Stephanie Barrett and Nikki Bowey and a bunt single by Crystal Pardue. An error on the throw during the bunt from third baseman Jessica Kurella allowed Barrett to score. The Camels then intentionally walked Amy Parbon to get to Finger, the Bear's hurler, to load the bases. After a fielder's choice by Finger, Campbell pitcher Michelle Freaney walked Stacy Nagel to give the Bears' the game-winning run.
Freaney suffered her 14^th loss of the year (10-14), giving up two runs, one earned, on six hits. She struck out three and walked four. Finger picked up the win to improve to 4-7 overall. She allowed one unearned run on six hits, fanning five and walking none.
Campbell finishes its Atlantic Sun schedule at Troy State, Saturday. Troy State is currently in the last spot to qualify for the league tournament, which will be in Troy, Ala. beginning May 9^th. The Camels need to sweep both games Saturday to have any hope of figuring into the league tournament picture. After Samford split with Jacksonville State, Thursday, Campbell is currently in a tie for seventh at 5-11 in A-Sun play. [Game 1 box | Game 2 box]