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Friday, February 28, 2003
FIU splits on opening day
of Coca-Cola Golden Panther Invitational
 IU
opened the Coca-Cola Golden Panther Invitational Friday at University
Park with split of its two games played. The Golden Panthers
won for a third-straight time with a 5-1 softball victory over
Furman, then fell to Tennessee, 3-2.
After Furman grabbed an early 1-0 advantage against FIU winning
pitcher Kendra Laminack (2-5), the Golden Panthers took
the lead for good with a pair of runs in the top of the third
inning.
Stephanie Wolter doubled home Meagan Dontrich with
one out, then scored from second on a wild pitch.
The Golden Panthers added three more runs in the fifth on
RBI singles by Jennifer Owens and Jennifer Powell and
a run-scoring triple by Marleah Stapf.
Laminack, meanwhile, settled in, lasting six innings and allowing
just a pair of singles and a walk after the first inning while
striking out seven. Nicole Barrett pitched a perfect seventh
inning in relief.
In the nightcap against Tennessee (11-6), defensive miscues
proved the culprit in a 3-2 setback. FIU committed five fielding
errors to go along with four wild pitches and a passed ball.
After taking a 2-1 lead in the fourth inning on a Tennessee
error, the Golden Panthers returned the favor in the fifth when
the Lady Vols scored twice with the help of an FIU fielding error
and wild pitch charged to starting and losing pitcher Amanda
Nealer (6-5).
FIU was held to just two hits, doubles by Nicole Dubovic
and Stapf, both coming off Tennessee starter Stacey Jennings
who was chased after three innings. Stephanie Humphrey
picked up the win, going the final four innings and not allowing
a hit.
The Coca-Cola Golden Panther Invitational continues Saturday
morning, with the first game between Tennessee and Furman (3-3)
beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Coca-Cola Golden Panther
Invitational
Day One Scores
Florida A&M 10, Buffalo 2
Furman 11, Florida A&M 5
Buffalo 8, Tennessee 2
Florida International 5, Furman 1
Tennessee 3, Florida International 2
Coca-Cola Golden Panther
Invitational
Day One Standings |
|
Team |
W-L |
Runs Allowed |
|
Florida International |
1-1 |
4 |
|
Furman |
1-1 |
10 |
|
Tennessee |
1-1 |
10 |
|
Buffalo |
1-1 |
12 |
|
Florida A&M |
1-1 |
13 |
|