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Georgia unable to slow down Lady Vols in doubleheader
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Georgia's defensive plan backfired at a crucial time against the University of Tennessee softball team.
With slapper Kenora Posey at bat and the Lady Vols trailing 4-2 in the bottom of the fourth inning, Georgia brought left fielder Sojourner Moody into the infield and rotated the other outfielders to leave right field open.
"It's a defense designed to stop the speed game when you have a hitter with no power to right field," said Tennessee co-head coach Ralph Weekly.
The senior shortstop hit an equally rare shot between first and second bases to triple in a run. Posey then scored to tie the game on a Nicole Kajitani fielder's choice.
After freshman first baseman Jennifer Lapicki drove in two more runs in the fifth, the Lady Vols (35-7, 9-6 SEC) went on to win the first game, 6-4, at Lee Softball Stadium.
The second game, although not as close, also had the same result and level of excitement. Tonya Callahan hit her 10th and 11th home runs of the year to help the Lady Vols win 9-0 in six innings.
"It always feels good to hit one home run, but two doubles it," said the senior third baseman and the Lady Vols' all-time home run leader with 46.
The victories stopped a 16-game winning streak for Georgia (35-10, 8-5).
"These were two huge wins for out team over a very good Georgia squad," said Weekly.
While he admitted he had previously seen the Georgia defensive strategy - which did force a double play when tried on Kelly Grieve in the sixth - he said he has not often seen the likes of Callahan.
"Tonya Callahan continues to be one of the best impact players I have seen in 23 years of coaching," he said.
Megan Rhodes (16-4) was credited with both wins on her senior day. After having to battle through a nagging hip/back injury and trying to help support a somewhat young team, she was pleased with the outcome.
"It's a great senior day present," said Rhodes, who relived starter Ashton Ward in the third inning of the second game.
Weekly praised Rhodes, who gave up four hits over the two games, as well as Lapicki, who went 4-5 and had five RBIs.
In the second game, the offensive production for Tennessee really began picking up, just as the rain did.
After Georgia ace Kate Gaskill gave up four walks in the first, Lapicki drove home two runs off Norie Glazebrook, the daughter of former Atlanta Falcons defensive back Bob Glazebrook.
Rightfielder Danielle Pieroni drove in two more runs in the first.
The series concludes today at 1 p.m.
© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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Posted by budd on April 6, 2008 at 12:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Beat those hairy dogs like a bad habit!!!!
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