April 19, 2008
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – South Carolina fell, 8-0, in six innings to No. 1/2 Alabama in game one on Saturday at the Alabama Softball Complex. The victory clinched the outright Southeastern Conference Western Division title for the Crimson Tide and moved their record to 42-3 and 21-2. The Gamecocks dropped to 20-19 overall and 7-11 in the SEC.
The Tide got all the runs they needed in the first with Jordan Praytor’s two-run shot with no one out. Brittany Rogers led off the game with a double chopped through the hole on the left side. Praytor then launched the 1-1 pitch over the right-field wall for the lead.
Alabama added an insurance run in the fifth on Kelley Montalvo’s RBI single. Rogers singled to lead off the frame and moved to second on an error by the centerfielder. Rogers stole third after Praytor’s groundout and scored easily on Montalvo’s single.
The Crimson Tide ended the game in the sixth with five runs. Kellie Eubanks drew a lead-off walk and moved to second on Katie Johnson’s sacrifice. Larsen brought Eubanks home with a single. Brittany Rogers plated Larsen with an RBI base hit. Praytor grounded out before Montalvo tripled to right center. Charlotte Morgan stepped up and ended the game with a two-run shot down the left-field line.
Gamecock senior Melissa Hendon (8-11) allowed two earned runs on three hits and three walks in three innings. Alabama starter Kelsi Dunne (18-3) got the victory, striking out 10 batters over six innings. She allowed a double to sophomore Adele Voigt, a walk and a hit batsman in the contest.
