SOFTBALL
2008 News Archives
2008 RECORD: 13-20
2008 REGION 14 RANKING: 3
2008 NAIA NATIONAL RANKING: NR
April 27, 2008
The Thomas University Lady Night Hawks softball team (13-20) has received a bid to the 2008 Region XIV tourney to be played May 8-9 at the Paulson Softball Complex in Savannah, GA
TU will be seeded #4 and faces the #1 seeded Warner Southern College (34-9) in game one on Thursday May 8 at 5PM. The winner faces the winner of game two between the #2 seeded Savannah College of Art & Design Bees (37-11) and #3 seeded Webber International University Warriors (23-18) at 7PM. Losing teams of game one and two will face each other in an elimination game at 7PM.
Fans can follow all the action with Live Stats by CLICKING HERE.
Savannah College of Art and Design sweeps softball doubleheader from Thomas (Ga.) University
April 19, 2008 (Courtesy of SCAD Sports Information Department)
The Savannah College of Art and Design collected 21 hits, including three home runs, as they swept a non-conference softball doubleheader from Thomas (Ga.) University Saturday (April 19) afternoon at the Paulson Softball Complex. The sixth-ranked Bees took the opener 5-0 in five innings before rallying for an 11-5 victory in the nightcap.
SCAD, which had lost twice to Thomas earlier this season, improved to 35-9 while the Night Hawks fell to 13-20. SCAD returns to action Friday (April 25) when they travel to Lake Wales, Fla., for a key 2 p.m. Florida Sun Conference doubleheader at No. 25 Warner Southern College.
SCAD wasted little time – 64 minutes - in the opener as SCAD starter Meghan Temple (21-6) shut down the potent Thomas offense and only allowed a double to Sarah Yingling in the third inning.
The Bees took a 3-0 lead off Thomas starter Stacie David in the opening inning on Brittany Kelley’s three-run homer – her second of the season – over the right-center field fence. SCAD added a run in the third on Lenka Jaklova’s infield single in the third before closing out the game early with four runs in the fifth. Jaklova drove in another run and Britney Helmers added a sacrifice fly before Temple helped her own cause with a two-run blast to straight-away center field. It was Temple’s team-leading eighth homer of the season.
The Night Hawks jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the first as Temple struggled with her control. Christina Skulas drove in a run with a bases-loaded walk while Jessica Mason contributed a two-run double down the left-field line. Curette got one of the runs back in the bottom of the inning on a squeeze bunt.
Thomas got that run back with a Mason RBI single in the third before SCAD rallied for four runs in the bottom of the inning to knot the score at 4. Kelley and Helmers had run-scoring hits for the Bees in the third.
Thomas regained the lead for the final time in the top of the fourth on an Amanda Graham run-scoring single before Whitney Hess’ two-run homer – her fourth of the season - to left-center field in the bottom half gave SCAD a 7-6 lead. The Bees added four insurance runs in the sixth to put the game out of reach.
Lady Night Hawks Dominate EWC
April 18, 2008
Thomas University Lady Night Hawks softball (13-18) swept a crucial Region XIV double header, 11-0 & 16-2, against the host Edward Waters College Tigers (11-27) on Friday afternoon in Jacksonville, FL.
Freshman pitcher Christina Skulas (1-0) no hit EWC and struck out 10 of the 15 batters she faced in game one for the dominating Lady Night Hawks victory. TU collected ten hits in the five inning "Run Rule" victory. Junior third baseman Brittany Decker (3-4, 2 R, 4 RBI, 2B, HR) led the way for the Thomas batting order with four runs batted in and a home run.
In game two the hit attack continued with fifteen hits collected by TU. Decker (4-5, 4 R, RBI, BB, SB) led the way collecting four hits. Sophomore left fielder Amanda Graham (2-5, 2 R, 4 RBI, SB) drove in four runs. Sophomore pitcher Courtney Scruggs (4-4) got her winning percentage back to .500 with six innings of five hit ball, allowing two earned runs.
TU continues their road swing tomorrow as they travel to Savannah, GA to face Savannah College of Art & Design in another Region XIV double header beginning at 12PM. Fans can follow the action with Live Stats by CLICKING HERE.
TU Splits Senior Day DH With WSC
April 17, 2008
TU (11-18) split a Region XIV double header on Senior Day, 7-6 & 1-2, with the visiting Warner Southern College Royals (27-8) this afternoon at Armory Field.
Down 6-4 in the seventh inning of game one freshman second baseman Camielle Herndon (1-3, R) led off with a single then advanced to second on a base hit by junior third baseman Brittany Decker (2-4, 2 R, 2B, SB). TU would load the bases with a base hit by freshman designated player Brittany Polk (2-3, R). With none out and the bases loaded junior center fielder Candice Wimmer (1-4, R, RBI) knocked an infield single to third that scored Herndon, Decker and Polk would then come around to score the game tying and winning runs on a throwing error by the WSC third baseman to give TU the walk off victory. Senior pitcher Stacie David (7-9) went all seven innings allowing six runs, four earned, for the victory in her final appearance at Armory Field.
The careers of three seniors was celebrated in between games on Senior Day. Pitcher Stacie David (Tallahassee, FL), pitcher Brittani Phillips (Jacksonville, FL) and catcher Sarah Yingling (Lakeland, FL) were all honored by the coaching staff and the rest of the players. All three transferred in from junior colleges for the their last two seasons and are on track to graduate. "All players are missed when they graduate", said head coach Tania Black. "These three young ladies have been a great part of the program on and off the field while representing TU extremely well in the community. It is tough to replace them".
In game two, three TU errors led to two unearned runs for WSC as a splendid pitching performance by Phillips (1-5) was wasted. Phillips went seven innings and gave up two unearned runs on six hits in her final game at Armory Field. The Royals scored both their runs in the fifth and the Lady Night Hawks would get one back in their half of the inning. Sophomore left fielder Amanda Graham (1-3, R) led off with a base hit and advanced to second on a throwing error. She was then sacrificed over to third by freshman right fielder Jessica Mason (1-2, SF). Graham would come in to score on an error off the bat of junior first baseman Cassie Sparks (0-2, RBI). After cutting the deficit in half TU would be unable to score any other runs managing only three hits in the game
Thomas continues region XIV play this coming Friday April 19 as they travel to Jacksonville, FL to face Edwards Waters College in a double header beginning at 2PM.
Weekend DH With SCAD Available In Live Stats
April 17, 2008
The softball games with Savannah College of Art & Design on Saturday April 19 will be available in Live Stats through the SCAD athletic page on the internet. Lady Night Hawk fans can click here to follow the action beginning at 12PM.
Lady Night Hawks Rained Out In Mobile, AL
April 12, 2008
Rain washed away a double header against the University of Mobile this afternoon. The games will not be rescheduled.
Softball Splits
April 11, 2008
TU softball (10-17) split a double header, 3-4 & 4-0, in Mobile, AL against the host Spring Hill College Badgers (18-22).
Down by a run in extra innings the Badgers scored the tying and winning runs on a base hit to left for the 4-3 win in eight innings. After playing seven innings to a 2-2 tie, TU had taken the lead in the top of the eighth with an RBI single by freshman third baseman Christina Skulas (2-4, R, RBI). Senior pitcher Stacie David (6-9) pitched a valiant 7 2/3 innings allowing four runs, three earned, for the loss. Freshman right fielder Jessica Mason (3-3, 2 RBI, 3B) drove in two runs.
In game two, sophomore pitcher Courtney Scruggs (3-5) dominated SHC with a seven inning shutout victory. Scruggs allowed eight hits and struck out two. Designated player Brittani Phillips (1-3, RBI) got TU on the board in the third with an RBI single that scored Mason (2-3, 2 R, RBI, 3B) from second after getting a one out single then stealing second. Thomas would get extra insurance scoring three runs in the fifth. Mason would once again prove to be the difference with a run scoring triple, her second of the day, then later scored on a single by freshman shortstop Brook Brown (1-3, R, RBI).
The Lady Night Hawks will honor their seniors on Senior day this coming Thursday April 17 as they welcome Warner Southern College for a region 14 double header beginning at 1PM. TU will honor seniors Stacie David (P), Brittani Phillips (P) and Sarah Yingling (C).
DH Rained Out
April 5, 2008
The double header versus the visiting Webber International University Warriors has been rained out and will be rescheduled for a date yet to be determined.
Lady Night Hawks Sweep DH From NAIA # 5 SCAD
March 29, 2008
This afternoon at Armory Field the Thomas University Lady Night Hawks (9-16) swept a double header, 8-7 & 5-4, from the visiting NAIA #5 Savannah College of Art & Design Bees (24-5).
Senior catcher Sarah Yingling (2-4, 2 R, 4 RBI, 2B, HR) hit a two out two run walk off home run in the bottom of the seventh, leading TU to the come from behind win. Yingling drove the first pitch that she saw over the center field fence scoring freshman designated player Brittany Polk (0-2, 2 R, 2 BB, SB) who had walked with one out and then stole second. SCAD held a 7-1 lead in the bottom of the sixth but a relentless Lady Night Hawks team did not allow themselves to go down quietly scoring five runs in the inning to reduce the deficit to one. Junior third baseman Brittany Decker (1-4, R, SB) led off the inning with a single to right then stole second. After Polk walked, freshman shortstop Brook Brown (2-4, R, 2B, SB) then singled to load the bases. Yingling then drove in two with a double to center. Junior center fielder Candice Wimmer (1-2, 2 R, RBI, BB, HR) then walked, loading the bases once again. Sophomore left fielder Amanda Graham (0-2, RBI, BB) then bounced into a RBI fielders choice that would result in a throwing error scoring three more runs and landed her on third with the game tying run and none out but the Lady Night Hawks would not be able to drive her in. Senior pitcher Stacie David (5-8) would pick up the victory coming out of the pen to throw two innings while allowing three earned runs.
SCAD committed four errors in game two and TU came from behind once again for the one run victory scoring two runs in the fifth. Decker led off the inning with a base hit and advanced to second on a stolen base. Brown then grounded to short but reached on a throwing error, scoring Decker, then would come around on a second error on the play giving TU lead. David (6-8) then shut down the SCAD bats the rest off the way to secure the victory.
TU next awaits a visit from Webber International University to Armory Field for another region 14 double header on Saturday April 5 beginning at 12PM.
TU Splits With Spring Hill
March 22, 2008
The Thomas University Lady Night Hawks (7-16) split a Saturday afternoon double header, 8-3 & 2-9, with the visiting Spring Hill College Badgers (15-14) at Armory Field.
In game one TU scored four runs in the bottom of the first and then added four more in the fifth to secure the victory. Senior starting pitcher Stacie David (5-6) went all seven for the victory while allowing three earned runs, two earned. Junior center fielder Candice Wimmer (2-3, 4 RBI, 2 2B)drove in four runs for TU.
SHC scored five unanswered runs in the first three innings then cruised to victory. TU scored their only runs of the game in the fifth on a home run by freshman shortstop Brook Brown (1-4, R, 2 RBI, HR). Sophomore starting pitcher Courtney Scruggs (2-5) took the loss after lasting only two 2/3 innings and allowing five runs, two earned, on six hits.
TU returns to region 14 action this coming Saturday March 29, as they welcome NAIA #5 Savannah College of Art & Design for a double header at Armory Field. First pitch of game one is set for 12PM.
Lady Night Hawks Swept
March 20, 2008
NAIA #7 Shorter College (23-5) swept a Thursday afternoon double header, 8-0 & 7-0, from the Lady Night Hawks (6-15) at Armory Field.
TU managed only two hits as Shorter breezed to the six inning "Run Rule" victory in game one. Freshman second baseman Camielle Herndon (2-2) had two hits for the Lady Night Hawks. Senior starting pitcher Brittani Phillips (1-5) allowed seven earned runs in five innings pitched.
Herndon (2-2) had another two hits in game two but it was not enough as SC scored two in the first and never looked back. Senior starting pitcher Stacie David (4-6) last 3 2/3 innings and allowed four earned runs in the loss.
Thomas will next welcome the Spring Hill College Badgers for a double header on Saturday March 22 beginning at 12PM. Saturday is Fan Appreciation Day at Armory Field, all fans are invited to a BBQ hosted by Goal Line Ministries.
TU Falls To Columbia
March 16, 2008
TU (6-13) loss a tough 3-2 elimination game to Columbia College (10-3) in day three of the Gulf Coast Invitational in Orange Beach, AL.
With the scored tied at two in the top of the fourth, CC scored the go ahead and then held off TU for the victory. Senior catcher Sarah Yingling (1-3, RBI) and junior first baseman Cassie Sparks (2-4, RBI) each drove in a run. Junior third baseman Brittany Decker (3-4, R) had three hits on the day. Senior starting pitcher Stacie David dropped her record to 3-7 on the year with a valiant effort. David went all seven innings allowing three runs, two earned, on six hits but walked four batters.
The Lady Night Hawks will be back in action Thursday March 20 as they host NAIA #7 Shorter College in a double header at Armory Field. First pitch of game one is set for 1PM.
Lady Night Hawks Swept
March 15, 2008
After sweeping their way thru day one of the Gulf Coast Invitational in Orange Beach, AL, the Lady Night Hawks (6-12) were swept on Saturday losing to Spring Hill College (10-6), 8-0 in a five inning run rule game, and NAIA #7 Shorter College (21-4), 5-1.
SHC beat TU soundly in game one allowing only three hits in the five inning shutout. Junior third baseman Brittany Decker (2-3, 2B) had two of the Lady Night Hawks three hits. Sophomore starting pitcher Courtney Scruggs (2-4) took the loss allowing all eight runs in three 2/3 innings. The TU defense committed four errors.
Pre Season NAIA #7 Shorter College proved to be to much for the Lady Night Hawks scoring all five runs in the first three innings. TU got one back in the top of the sixth with a run batted in by junior first baseman Cassie Sparks (0-2, RBI). Senior starting pitcher Stacie David (3-6) lasted three innings and allowed five earned runs in the loss.
Thomas will move into the bronze bracket for day three action at the Gulf Coast Invitational beginning play on Sunday at 12PM with a opponent yet to be determined.
TU Sweeps Day One At Gulf Coast Invitational
March 14, 2008
TU (6-10) swept day one at the Gulf Coast Invitational defeating Oklahoma Baptist University (12-10), 7-2, and Columbia College (7-2), 9-7, in Orange Beach, AL.
Senior starting pitcher Stacie David (3-5) was dominant in the game one victory. David went all seven innings allowing two earned runs on eight hits while striking out three. A couple of freshman, shortstop Brook Brown (1-4, R, 2 RBI, HR) and left fielder Jessica Mason (1-4, R, 2 RBI, HR), had two RBI each. The Lady Night Hawks had eleven hits and committed zero errors.
In game two, TU was down by one in their half of the sixth and scored three runs for the come from behind victory. Senior catcher Sarah Yingling (3-4, 3 R, 6 RBI, 2 HR) had two home runs and six runs batted in for the Lady Night Hawks. The TU bats knocked out twelve hits. Sophomore pitcher Courtney Scruggs (2-3) picked up the victory in relief after pitching four 2/3 innings and allowing three earned runs on seven hits while striking out four.
Action will continue on Saturday from Orange Beach with day two of the GCI matching up TU with Spring Hill College and NAIA #7 Shorter College.
WIU Sweeps TU In Region 14 Action
March 8, 2008
Webber International University (12-12) swept a region 14 double header, 8-7(8) & 9-1 (6), from the Thomas University Lady Night Hawks (4-10) on Saturday afternoon in Babson Park, FL.
WIU scored two runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to take game one after TU had taken a one run lead in their half of the inning. The Lady Night Hawks committed five errors in the game accounting for three unearned runs. Senior relief pitcher Brittani Phillips (1-3) took the extra inning loss after tossing 1 1/3 innings and allowing two runs, one earned, on two hits while walking three. TU combined for eight hits and senior catcher Sarah Yingling (3-3, 3 2B, 4 RBI, BB) drove in four runs.
The TU gloves once again made an impact in the game committing two errors in game two that resulted in four unearned runs. Webber broke the game open in the fourth with five runs, increasing their lead to 6-0. After TU scored a run in the fifth, three runs in the bottom of the sixth gave WIU the necessary runs for the run rule victory. Sophomore starting pitcher Courtney Scruggs (1-2) took the loss after lasting only 3 2/3 innings and allowing six runs, three earned, on eight hits. The TU bats combined for only five hits.
Thomas will be back in action on Friday March 14 as they travel to Orange Beach, AL to participate in the Gulf Coast Invitational.
Lady Night Hawks Sweep Region 14 DH
March 7, 2008
The Lady Night Hawks (4-8) swept a region 14 double header from the Warner Southern College Royals (9-2), 4-3 & 4-1, on Friday afternoon in Lake Wales, FL.
In game one senior starting pitcher Stacie David (2-5) went all seven for the victory allowing three runs, two earned, on six hits. WSC committed five errors resulting in two unearned runs for the Lady Night Hawks. Junior third baseman Brittany Decker (2-3, RBI, BB) had two hits and a run batted in.
Senior starting pitcher Brittani Phillips (1-2) picked up her first victory of the year in game two, with a complete game allowing one earned run on four hits. Sophomore center fielder Amanda Graham (2-3, R, RBI, 2B) had two hits and a run batted in.
TU will continue their road trip with a region 14 DH in Babson Park, FL against Webber International University on Saturday afternoon beginning at 2PM.
TU Splits DH With TWC
March 5, 2008
In Lake Wales, FL the Thomas University Lady Night Hawks (2-8) split a Wednesday afternoon double header, 10-0 & 3-4, with the Tennessee Wesleyan College Bulldogs (1-9).
Senior starting pitcher Stacie David (1-5) picked up her first victory of the year going all five innings of the mercy rule victory in game one. David allowed four hits and struck out five. Freshman shortstop Brook Brown (2-3, 2 R, RBI, 2 2B), senior catcher Sarah Yingling (2-3, 2R, RBI, 2B), and junior first baseman Cassie Sparks (2-3, R, RBI) each had two hits and a run batted in.
In game two, TU committed five errors leading to two unearned runs in the defeat. The Night Hawks out hit TWC 12-9 but could not overcome the errors. Sophomore starting pitcher Courtney Scruggs (1-1) took the tough loss going five 1/3 innings and three runs, two earned, on eight hits. Brown (3-3, 2 R, BB, 2B) continued her tear at the plate with three hits. Sparks (2-4, 2 RBI, SB) drove in two runs.
TU is back on the diamond on Friday afternoon in Lake Wales as they face region 14 foe Warner Southern College in a double header beginning at 12PM.
Lady Night Hawks & Sea Hawks Split
March 3, 2008
The Lady Night Hawks (1-7) and the Northwood University Sea Hawks (3-11) split a Monday afternoon double header, 5-1 & 1-3, at Armory Field.
Freshman shortstop Brook Brown (2-3, R, 4 RBI, BB, HR) gave TU an early lead with a three run home run to left field in the bottom of the first after the Sea Hawks had taken a 1-0 lead in the top half of the inning. The Lady Night Hawks would tack on two more insurance runs in the second and then held on for their first victory of the year. Sophomore starting pitcher Courtney Scruggs (1-0) went all seven innings, allowing one unearned run on four hits for the win. Junior third baseman Brittany Decker (2-3, 2 R, BB, SB) had two hits and scored two runs.Northwood scored three unanswered runs in the first three innings of game two and held TU to five hits in the victory. Freshman left fielder Jessica Mason (1-3, RBI) drove in the only run for the Lady Night Hawks. Senior starting pitcher Stacie David (0-4) remained winless on the year lasting only three innings and allowing three earned runs on seven hits.
Thomas will next hit the road for a six game road trip beginning on Wednesday March 5, as they travel to Lake Wales, FL to face Tennessee Wesleyan College in an afternoon double header beginning at 1PM.
Softball Swept At Faulkner Invitational
February 23, 2008
Thomas University softball (0-6) was swept, 4-0 & 6-3, in their two games today at the Faulkner University Invitational in Montgomery, AL.
In game one TU was shutout by the University of Mobile Rams (4-0) on a four hitter by Rams pitcher Nikki Madden. Starting senior pitcher Stacie David (0-3) went all six innings in the losing effort allowing four runs, one earned, on four hits. Junior third baseman Brittany Decker went 3-4 with a double. The Lady Night Hawks defense committed two costly errors that resulted in three runs for the Rams. This was the third straight loss this season for TU versus UM.The Lady Night Hawks took a first inning 2-0 lead in game two against William Carey University but would give up six unanswered runs in the next five innings to squander the lead and fall behind by four. Senior starting pitcher Brittani Phillips (0-2) took the loss going four innings and giving up six runs, four earned, on seven hits. TU would get a run back in their half of the sixth but it was to little to late. Junior first baseman Cassie Sparks went 2-4 with a run batted in to raise her team leading batting average to .353. Freshman right fielder Christina Skulas (2-2, BB) also had two hits for the Lady Night Hawks.
TU will be back in action on Monday March 3 in a region 14 double header against the visiting Northwood University Seahawks. First pitch for game one is set for 1PM.
Day One Of Faulkner University Invitational Cancelled
February 22, 2008
Day one of the Faulkner University Invitational in Montgomery, AL was cancelled due to rain and thunderstorms. The scheduled games versus Spring Hill College and Belhaven College will not be rescheduled. TU will open up play at the Invitational tomorrow morning against the University of Mobile Rams at 11am EST. Game two for the Lady Night Hawks will be at 1PM EST versus William Carey University.
Rams Sweep Lady Night Hawks
February 18, 2008
In a Presidents Day double header, the visiting University of Mobile Rams (2-0) swept both games, 4-0 & 10-1, from the Thomas University Lady Night Hawks at Armory Field.
UM pitcher Ginger Reeser held TU to two hits and struck out three in a seven inning shutout performance in game one. TU freshman shortstop Brook Brown (2-3, 2B) had both hits for the Lady Night Hawks. Senior starting pitcher Stacie David (0-2) took the loss going all seven innings while allowing four earned runs on eight hits.The Rams knocked out TU senior starting pitcher Brittani Phillips (0-1) after only two innings in game two. In the losing effort, Phillips allowed four runs (two earned) on six hits. After falling behind 2-0 in the top of the first, Brown (1-3, RBI, R, HR) got the Lady Night Hawks within one with her first home run of the year but it would be the closest that TU would get. Sophomore relief pitcher Courtney Scruggs allowed six earned runs on eight hits in three innings pitched. Mobile scored runs in four of the five innings played during the run rule shortened game. Thomas committed five errors in the game.
Thomas will look for their first win of the year as they travel to Montgomery, AL on Saturday February 23 to face Spring Hill College in the Faulkner University Invitational. First pitch of game one is set for 4PM. TU will face Belhaven College at 8PM on Saturday night in game two.
Lady Night Hawks Swept By Eagles
February 16, 2008
The Thomas University Lady Night Hawks (0-2) were swept, 10-2 & 5-2, in their season opening double header on Saturday afternoon at Armory Field by the visiting Faulkner University Eagles (2-4).
Senior pitcher Stacie David (0-1) took the loss in game one going all five innings and allowing ten runs. She was not help much by a shaky defense behind her that committed four errors. Junior infielder Cassie Sparks drove in both runs for TU with a double in the bottom of the first. The Lady Night Hawks line up struck out seven times.In game two, Thomas scored two in the bottom of the first but could not hold off the Eagles. Sophomore starting pitcher Courtney Scruggs (0-1) took the loss pitching seven innings while allowing five runs on eight hits and striking out three. Sophomore outfielder Amanda Graham went 2-3.
TU will be back on the clay looking for their first win of the young season on Monday afternoon as they welcome the visiting University of Mobile Rams to Armory field with a double header beginning at 1PM.
Softball Drops Exhibition Double Header To VSU
February 8, 2008
TU Softball opened up their 2008 season by dropping an exhibition double header, 10-0 & 5-4, against the host Valdosta State University Blazers in Valdosta, GA.
VSU held the Night Hawks to one hit in game one, a base hit by sophomore Amanda Graham. In game two Senior catcher Sarah Yingling (1-3, 3 RBI, HR) and junior center fielder Candice Wimmer (2-3, RBI, HR) hit back to back home runs to account for TU's four runs. Graham went 2-3.The Lady Night Hawks will open up their season on Saturday February 16 with a double header against the visiting Faulkner University Eagles in their home opener at Armory Field. First pitch for game one is set for 1PM.