Softball Team Begins 2008 Season with 2-1 Victory

KENNESAW, Ga. - It was a game of firsts as the Sue Nevar-led Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (1-0, 0-0 SBC) defeated the Georgetown Hoyas (0-1, 0-0) at the Kennesaw State Classic in Kennesaw, Ga on Friday. Nevar, serving in her first game at the helm, led the Blue Raiders to a 2-1 victory, their first of the season.

"We had seven hits and they were timely hits. It was great that we came out of the gate and scored two runs in the first inning. I was disappointed that we didn't sustain that drive. We scattered some hits but couldn't put up anything back-to-back," said Nevar.

Kellie Head (1-0) made her first career start for MT, allowing one run on six hits in the complete game effort. The promising young pitcher struck out one, while walking two to pick up the victory.

Jennifer Connell (0-1) got the start for the Hoyas, allowing two runs on seven hits, while striking out three and walking one in the complete game.

The Blue Raiders started off with a bang in the 1st inning as freshman Brittney Banania singled to left field, advancing to second base on a throwing error. After an Ashley Cline sacrifice bunt, Corrie Abel drilled a ball to the warning track over the outstretched glove of the centerfielder, driving Banania across the plate. After Abel reached third base, following an errant relay throw by the Hoyas second baseman. Jadiq Garcia drove her across the plate and put the Blue Raiders in front early, 2-0.

Georgetown responded in the 3rd inning when Samantha Peters singled up the middle, driving home Amy Cipriano and cutting the lead in half, 2-1.

Middle Tennessee had a chance to add to its lead in the 5th inning, but could not take advantage of a bases loaded opportunity with one out. However, they would not need any more runs as Head pitched two more scoreless innings for the win.

Banania went 2-for-3 in her debut at shortstop. Her stellar defensive play was highlighted by a spectacular diving catch near the third base line.

Said Nevar, "I thought the defense played spectacularly. There were a lot of reaching plays that looked routine. That is the defense that MT has to be known for if we are going to win the Sun Belt [Conference]. That is the standard that these guys have to hold themselves to and it can not just be a 'flash-in-the-pan' type thing. We had some sensational plays."

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