Saturday, February 9, 2002

IU splits with North Carolina on the second day of the GRU Classic in Gainesville, FL. The Golden Panthers lost the first game, 3-2, but came back to win 6-0 and earn a spot in the championship game tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. The opponent will be decided later tonight, as Florida takes on South Florida.

In the first game, Kendra Laminack pitched five strong innings, allowing only five hits and one earned run. The offense, though, coundn't score enough against three North Carolina pitchers.

FIU had more hits, 8-6, but the Tar Heels used a home run and three stolen bases to manufacure three runs for the win.

The second game was complete domination, as Vanessa Preston and Amanda Nealer combined for a three-hit shutout. Preston pitched the first five with five strikeouts to earn the victory.

Sabrina Smith went 4-for-4 from the plate, hitting two doubles and three RBI to lead FIU on a 17-hit assault on UNC.

Jennifer Owens and Crystal Boyer also had RBI's, as Owens went 2-for-4.

The Golden Panthers go to 5-5 on the year and will play the winner of USF-UF tomorrow at 1:00 p.m.