Feb. 22, 2002
Tech vs. Florida Atlantic Box Score
BOCA RATON, Fla. — With a 6-1 win over Rutgers to open play, the Georgia Tech softball team split its first two games of the FAU Worth Invitational. Despite a school record 13 strikeouts in the second game by freshman pitcher Jessica Sallinger, the Jackets fell to 21st-ranked Florida Atlantic, 1-0, at FAU Stadium.
In game one, the Scarlet Knights found the scoring column first, plating a run in the top of the third, but the Jackets answered in their half of the inning.
Second baseman Felicia Coursey walked with one out and advanced to second when freshman Kirin Kumar reached on an error by Rutgers third baseman Helen Smith. Shortstop Tara Knudsen then ripped a single to third to load the bases. Catcher Tasha Waugh singled, scoring Kumar and Coursey to give the Jackets a 2-1 lead.
Junior designated player Mimi Utt singled, driving in Knudsen. Senior Jamie Frost then scored Waugh on an RBI ground out, which gave Tech a 4-1 advantage.
The Jackets put the game away with a pair of runs in the sixth, making the final count, 6-1
Junior Tiffany Goodman got the start for Tech, allowing five hits and one run in three innings. Sophomore Erin Voeltz (2-1) tossed a hitless final four innings to earn her second win of the season.
Tech was led offensively by Waugh, Utt and freshman first baseman Katie Donovan, who each had two hits against the Scarlet Knights.
The second game was scoreless until Florida Atlantic got on the board in the bottom of the sixth with a solo home run by left fielder Ninya Ybarra. The hit was one of only two given up by Sallinger (4-1), who fanned 13 and walked three in six innings.
FAU starter Candance Freel held Tech to four hits and posted three strikeouts to earn the win for the host Owls.
The Jackets return to action Saturday morning at 9 a.m. against Southern Illinois and face Florida International at 11 a.m. Bracket play begins Saturday evening and concludes on Sunday.
-GT-
