March 4, 2004
CLEARWATER, Fla. - Generally, when one team's pitcher tallies 18 strikeouts, the game is rarely close. However, in the case of Courtnay Foster and the Wildcats, their 4-2 win over Coastal Carolina was the exception--not the rule. Sophomore third baseman Kristen Amegin hit a two-run home run in the top of the ninth inning to get the 'Cats off to a winning start at the Speedline Tournament.
Northwestern improves to 7-3 overall, while Coastal Carolina slips to 3-5 on the year.
Despite allowing two runs in the fourth inning, Foster was in control of the game.
"Courtnay's ball was really moving today," said head coach Kate Drohan. "I thought she looked strong all game."
Freshman Garland Cooper got the Wildcats on the board in the second inning with a solo home run, her second of the season. Northwestern carried the 1-0 lead into the fourth inning, but suddenly found itself down.
Foster stuggled momentarily with her control, walking the bases loaded. After striking the next two batters out, she gave up a two-run double and the Chanticleers took a 2-1 advantage.
The 'Cats would even the score in the sixth, though. Carri Leto led off the inning with a single and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Erin Mobley. Cooper came up big again, driving Leto home with a double and the game was knotted up at 2-2.
Foster kept Coastal Carolina from threatening the rest of the ballgame, keeping the score tied to set up Amegin's game-winner in the top of the ninth inning.
"Offensively, these home runs late in the game keep picking us up-- I think that is a good sign," said Drohan.
Cooper and Amegin went 3-for-4 and 2-4, respectively, and drove in all four Northwestern runs. Leto finished 2-for-4 picked up a stolen base. Foster improves her season mark to 4-2. Northwestern faces Temple in game two of the Speedline Tournament.