Oct. 16, 2005

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - In front of a fall tournament record crowd of 411 fans, the Samford University softball team dropped a 2-1 eight-inning decision at home against the Alabama-Huntsville Chargers on Sunday.

The contest was held at Bulldog Field and all of the proceeds were donated to the UAB Pediatric Neuro-oncology Program at Children's Hospital.

With the loss, Samford concluded fall tournament play with a 6-2 overall record. Prior to Sunday's game, the Bulldogs had reeled off six-consecutive wins.

Alabama-Huntsville's Kristin Spencer scored the game-winning run in the top of the eighth inning. She started off the frame at second base due to the international tiebreaker rule and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt from Kellie Corder.

The Chargers' designated player, Jenny Hess, then drove in Spencer from third base on a sacrifice fly to left field. The score gave UAH its decisive 2-1 lead.

With Samford trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the seventh inning, junior Shelley Stanley led off the frame with a first-pitch home run to deep right field. The round-tripper was Stanley's second of the fall season and sent the game into extra innings.

After UAH scored to take the lead in the top of the eighth frame, the Bulldogs' Liz Pearse reached third base with one out, but was stranded there to end the game as Erin Hall grounded out to third and Bethany Weisser popped up to short. Samford finished the contest with four hits.

Alabama-Huntsville's starting pitcher, Sage Woodham, earned the complete-game victory and struck out four.

The Bulldogs' Susanna Meyer also pitched the entire game and struck out five.

Samford's offense was paced by sophomore Heather Williams, who turned in a 2-for-3 performance on Sunday. Freshman Rachel Reeves and Stanley recorded the Bulldogs' remaining two hits.

The Samford University softball team will open its 2006 season on Feb. 10-12, as the Bulldogs travel to Tallahassee, Fla., to compete in the annual Florida State Tournament.

2005 "Strike Out Cancer" Benefit Game

Alabama-Huntsville def. Samford, 2-1 (8 inn.)

UAH 000 010 01 - 2 5 1
SAM 000 000 10 - 1 4 2