Rock Hill, S.C. -- Radford was eliminated from the Big South Championship as they fell to Winthrop 13-3 at Terry Field this afternoon. The Highlanders finish the 2003 season 17-36 overall.
Winthrop managed at least one run in each of the seven innings, with the biggest inning being the top of the seventh. Katie Kipisz doubled in Janiva Willis in the first inning for a 1-0 lead and Winthrop added two more in the second after RBI singles from Stephanie Turney and Sarah Bargeron. Winthrop cruised from there.
Radford's first two runs came in the fifth inning on a two-run shot by Ashley Smith, her eighth of the season, over the left center fence. With her round tripper, she tied for the second most in a single season and moved into a tie for third with 11 in her career. In the sixth the Highlanders (17-36) scored on a fielder's choice from Hallie East. Smith led Radford with two hits.
For Winthrop, Catherine Cashion finished 4-for-4 with two runs and an RBI. Willis finished with three hits, two runs, two stolen basese and an RBI. Monica Alvarez and Turney were the only two Lady Eagles with two RBIs. Kipisz, Shahna Ashard, and Turney all finished with two hits each.
Johnson took the win after going 5.1 innings allowing no runs on three hits with three walks and three strikeouts. She is now 20-13 on the season.
Deana Benner took the loss for the Highlanders tossing three and two-thirds allowing five runs on nine hits and striking out two. She finishes her career as Radford's all-time strikeout leader with 355 and tied for third with 26 career wins. She also made 38 appearances for the Highlanders, most in a single season.
Smith and Glynn Tolleson represented the Highlanders on the all-tournament team.
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