Pearson Leads Queens to 4-3 Win Over Anderson - Queens University of Charlotte Athletics

Friday, April 28

Hartsville, S.C.

12:30 p.m.

Queens University of Charlotte

21-28

Anderson University

34-16

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	Runs R	Hits H	Errors E
Anderson	0	0	0	1	0	1	0	0	0	1	3	9	1
Queens	0	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	4	9	2

4/28/2017 4:10:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

HARTSVILLE, S.C. – Queens University of Charlotte's season will continue as they escaped with a 4-3 extra innings victory over fifth-seeded Anderson University on day two of the 2017 SAC Softball Tournament on Friday, April 28 at Byerly Park.

Trailing for the first time all game, Queens (21-28) was down to their final three outs as they faced Anderson's (34-16) Randee Bettis who had struck out 14 over the previous nine innings.

First baseman Kelly Winter and designated player Ashton Whitaker began the bottom of the 10th inning by reaching base by way of a walk and a bunt, respectively. All-Conference selection Elaina Frantellizzi then attempted to bunt both runners over, but AU catcher Cailah Niles' attempt to pick off the lead runner went awry and both Winter and Whitaker were able to round home and gives Queens the victory in the elimination game.

Giving Queens the chance to escape with the victory was the stellar pitching performance of Courtney Pearson who went the distance. Pearson surrendered only two earned runs and struck out 10.

After leaving the runners standing on second and third in the first inning, the Royals didn't wait to manufacture a run in the second inning. On a 3-1 count, right fielder Alyssa Strickler belted a leadoff homerun to straightaway centerfield to put QU on top, 1-0. The homer was her now team-leading fifth of the season.

Queens wasn't done scoring by way of the long ball as they came right back with another solo shot in the third inning. With one out and a full count, first baseman Kelly Winter took AU starting pitcher Randee Bettis deep to left field to stretch the advantage to 2-0.

Anderson grabbed one of those runs back just a half inning later when they proceeded to load the bases. After forcing an out at home on fielder's choice, the Trojans finally broke through on second baseman Kasey Grant's sac fly.

Both teams then cruised through a quick fifth inning before AU got back to work in bottom of the sixth. With two outs and runners on the corners, a wild pitch allowed third baseman Breanna Hagerty to walk home and tie the game at two apiece.

The Trojans and Royals both had chances in the seventh to take a decisive lead as they each put multiple runners on, but neither were able to find the key hit as the game moved into extra innings.

Anderson finally took their first lead of the game in the top of the 10th inning when right fielder Trudi Shuman laced a two-out RBI single up the middle.

Queens will now attempt to keep their season going as they take on third-seeded Newberry College in an another elimination game.