MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - The Middle Tennessee softball team honored their 2011 senior class on Saturday with a 2-1 victory over Troy. This gives the Blue Raiders their first conference-series win over the Trojans since 2008.
The Middle Tennessee underclassmen made the clutch-plays needed to secure the win and series on the 2011 Senior Day. The MT series victory, combined with South Alabama's series win over North Texas gives the Blue Raiders better assurance of qualification for the 2011 Sun Belt Conference Tournament.
Sophomore Janele Robinson's hot-hand was the story for the Raiders. She stifled the Trojans attack in her fifth victory of year, going the distance and allowing just one earned run off nine hits. She was picked up by the great defense as she did not tally a strikeout in the game. Middle Tennessee played great through several tight situations, to cause Troy to leave 13 runners on base.
"Janele has really come into her own," head coach Sue Nevar. "She is throwing hard and getting good movement on her pitches. I feel like she will be even better as she continues to get experience."
Junior Kelsey Woodruff drove in the only two Blue Raider runs in the second inning. Woodruff used her power to pull an inside-pitch over the left field wall, scoring senior Corrie Abel. Abel reached earlier in the side on a single to right. She was the only senior to tally a hit.
On the year, Woodruff has five home runs and 12 RBIs in just 18 games played.
Senior Brittney Banania appropriately capped off the day, snaring a line drive to short to end the game.
"Kelsey was great for us today, but we needed more hits. We have shown if we get up earlier our pitchers settle in nicely and throw well for us."
The Blue Raiders two wins over Troy this weekend, advance the team to 16-28 on the year, including a 7-14 mark in Sun Belt league play.
Before the game, seniors Corrie Abel, Brittney Banania, Jessi Couch, Kelsey Dortch, Kandra Singleton and manager Philip Elliot were honored for the contributions to the program in the past four seasons.
The Bluer Raiders return to action on Tuesday as they host Southeast Missouri State in a non-conference doubleheader. Live audio and statistics will be available on GoBlueRaiders.com.
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