Thursday, January 31, 2002

he season opening game for FIU goes to Arkansas, 5-3, in ten innings. The game counts in the loss column but the Golden Panthers came back from two deficits to force the extra innings.

After Arkansas went ahead 2-0, FIU was able to hit new Razorback pitcher Heather Schlichtman in the bottom of the fifth inning. Crystal Boyer walked, followed by a Kristen Perry double to left center, to score Boyer.

Marleah Stapf smacked a single to right field for the second run and tie the game at two.

The game went to extra innings and Arkansas scored to start the eighth. FIU would not quit, though, as Jennifer Owens and Sabrina Smith singled.

Lesley Gillen then nailed a double to left field to score Owens and tie the game.

It took the tenth inning rule, where each team starts with a runner on second base to end the game. The Razorbacks where able to advance Zenobia Davison from second for the deciding run, as Julie Young hit a double to left center.

Rachel Talley got the win for Arkansas, pitching six shutout innings. Amanda Nealer took the loss after two-plus innings of work.

The Golden Panthers now must get ready to host the Fun in the Sun Classic, playing Illinois State at 5:00 p.m. and Georgia at 7:30 p.m.