KENNESAW, Ga. - Middle Tennessee had a strong defensive effort but could not put any runs on the board as the Blue Raiders (1-1, 0-0) fell 4-0 to the Ole Miss Rebels (1-0, 0-0) in the second game of the Kennesaw State Classic in Kennesaw, Ga. on Friday.
"You can't beat anybody with three hits scattered over seven innings. I think we are struggling at the plate and part of that is due to the fact that we haven't had a lot of outside work [due to inclement weather]," said Head Coach Sue Nevar.
Lindsey Vander Lugt (0-1) got the start for the Blue Raiders, giving up four runs on seven hits, while striking out three. She picked up the loss in the complete game.
Lindsey Perry (1-0) picked up the start and the victory for the Rebels, giving up three hits, while striking out six and walking two, in seven scoreless innings of action.
Ole Miss took a 1-0 lead in the 2nd inning when Courtnia Ghinaudo grounded out to Vander Lugt, scoring Ashley Dowdy.
Middle Tennessee's best chance came in the bottom of the 2nd inning when Ashley Cline blasted a two-out single through the left side, advancing Brittney Banania and leaving two runners on base. Corrie Abel flied out to left field to end the inning.
Ole Miss had three doubles in the 3rd inning, plating three runs and increasing their lead to 4-0.
"Ole Miss came out aggressive and that showed in the first inning. They strung three doubles in a row and that was a rough inning for Lindsey [Vander Lugt]. She wasn't at the top of her game today and I think that really contributed to that third inning. She didn't have the finish on her pitches that she normally does," said Nevar
Ashley Cline, Corrie Abel and Justine Cerda each had a hit apiece for the Blue Raiders.
Middle Tennessee returns to action on Saturday afternoon as they take on the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles in their third game of the Kennesaw State Classic at 1 PM CT. Follow the action live by clicking the link at the bottom of the GoBlueRaiders.com homepage.
Said Nevar, "Tomorrow we have two big games. Tennessee Tech was ranked in the Top 25 last year at one point and Kennesaw State was the Division II National Champions a couple of years back. Our pitching has to pick up tomorrow. Our hitting is going to be key right now. We need to come out strong and pepper the ball all over the park."
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